By: Mugerwa Michael

Key policy makers and implementers from central and local government, congregated in Mbale City to deliberate on issues affecting service delivery. The Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja presided over the opening ceremony, which took place at Wash and Wills Hotel in Mbale City.

This meeting, code named ‘Prime Minister’s stock take and Regional Stakeholders Engagement’, was organized by the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit (PMDU). It was called to evaluate success and failures in implementation of activities in the project areas. This project covers 22 focus districts.

The Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit(PMDU) was formed in 2015 as part of the drive to improve performance and implementation of the National Development Plan. In her key note address, the Prime Minister cautioned delegates against laziness. She said there should be no excuse in service delivery but push for results. ‘We are placing emphasis on the whole of government Approach in planning and implementing of government programmes’, the Premier said.

She said three specific and critical processes have resulted in significant outcomes in health and education sectors. These processes include fast tracking teacher and health workers’ attendance to duty, routine progress reporting and use of staff attendance data.

PMDU has since 2016 piloted a unique service delivery method in the respective project districts. The purpose is to realize improved returns on public investments in Health, Education and Infrastructure.

The Head of PMDU,  Prof. Ezra Suruma spoke highly about the Parish Development Model. He said it was a well thought out program that should be supported by all leaders, particularly those at grass root level.

Later the Prime Minister presented awards to the best performing project districts. Sironko district was declared the overall winner. The three-day regional workshop was held under the theme: Strengthening the Mechanisms for Quality, Effective and Efficient Service Delivery.  

Others who attended the function included the State Minister for Karamoja Affairs Agnes Nandutu and the Under Secretary who also doubling as Accounting Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, Geoffrey Sseremba. END