By Our Reporter
SERERE
Serere District is facing a salary deficit of sh529 million for its civil servants in the 2026/2027 financial year, compounded by ongoing staff shortages across several departments.
Stephen Omwony, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), reported that a wage analysis conducted on September 12, 2026, by the Ministry of Public Service, Ministry of Finance, and other local governments revealed a deficit of sh529 million in the district’s budget, specifically for the Serere vote.
Currently, only two—the Chief Finance Officer and the District Production Officer—are in permanent positions out of the 13 departmental heads but the rest are serving in acting capacities. Omwony expressed a keen desire to fill these leadership roles but emphasized that the wage deficit is hindering progress.
“We require an additional sh529 million so we can adequately pay our staff and enhance service delivery,” he stated.
The district is struggling to cover the salaries of its current workforce throughout this financial year, particularly due to the raised salaries within the U1 and U2 categories which have strained available funds.
According to the Deputy CAO, the prospect of resolving this financial gap remains uncertain, with projections suggesting that it may not be addressed until the third or fourth quarter of the year.
The district has formally appealed to the Ministry of Public Service and the Ministry of Finance for increased wage support and has requested around sh1.6 billion to facilitate the filling of critical department heads.
Additionally, to establish a robust human resource base, they seek a total of sh19 billion, which would help address crucial staffing shortages in areas such as teaching, health services, engineering, and administration, especially as some organizational structures have been upgraded to require more personnel.
Omwony highlighted that before any recruitment of additional staff can occur, both the Ministry of Public Service and the Ministry of Public Service mandate a wage analysis to ascertain the district’s financial viability. Currently, public service approvals for recruitment are limited solely to replacement hires for exiting or deceased staff.
These pressing issues were discussed during the observance of International Ombudsman Day on the second Thursday of October, which this year was commemorated at the Serere District headquarters on Thursday, October 8, 2026. The Inspector General of Government (IGG) which organized this event took this opportunity to raise awareness about the services offered under their mandate.
These issues were raised following concerns from residents regarding acting positions, forged documents, and issues related to NIRA, prompting a response from local officials.
Angella Amoding, the chairperson of the district council’s finance, planning, and administration committee and also a councilor for Kadungulu Town Council, acknowledged that numerous acting positions exist within the district.
She pointed out that several individuals continue to hold these roles even as others retire from them, indicating a need for recruitment efforts. Specifically, she mentioned Annet Ichumar, the principal education officer, as having retired while in an acting position.
Stephen Ouma Lajul, the regional head of the Inspectorate of Government at the Soroti office, reported that their interactions with both citizens and local officials have led to over 20 complaints. These complaints range from poor-quality roadwork and nonpayment of retirement benefits to allegations of using forged documentation to gain employment in the public sector, abuse of office by officials, and the improper use of government vehicles and motorcycles.
Ouma stated that the Inspectorate of Government plans to conduct inspections on roads and hold accountable those found responsible for any wrongdoing. They will also verify the credentials of degree holders serving as parish chiefs, as concerns have been raised regarding the authenticity of their diplomas. Furthermore, vehicles and motorcycles utilized over the weekend without proper authorization will be seized including those used for carrying bricks.
The common issues identified in the Teso sub-region include embezzlement of funds by government officials and irregularities in the recruitment process, where individuals without the requisite aptitude tests or interviews are being appointed. There have also been cases of individuals submitting fraudulent documents or impersonating their relatives.
The Soroti office of the Inspectorate receives around eight to ten cases monthly related to abuse of office, embezzlement, recruitment injustices, substandard work, and misuse of government property. Ouma noted that some actions have already been taken regarding the cases that have been investigated.
Amuria has been highlighted as a leading area for these issues, closely followed by Bukedea.
Across the sub-region, over 15 cases have seen government officials refunding misappropriated funds, according to Ouma.
Felix Kusolo, a principal inspectorate officer at the Soroti office, added that they have also received complaints regarding the non-payment of allowances for more than 400 polling assistants involved in the 2026 general elections.
According to the 2024 National Population and Housing Census conducted by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, Serere District has a population of 358,123 residents.
