CAO Ddamba Warns Teachers Against Absenteeism

The Chief Administrative Officer of Mukono District Local Government, Mr. Henry Ddamba, has issued a stern warning to teachers against absenteeism and late reporting to duty, emphasizing that strict disciplinary measures, including withholding salaries, will be enforced to ensure accountability and improved service delivery in schools.

Mr. Ddamba made the remarks during a supervision visit to Mpunge Sub County and Katosi Town Council, where he met political leaders, technical staff, headteachers, and health officials to assess the performance of government programmes and strengthen accountability at the grassroots level.

The CAO was accompanied by members of the district technical team, including the Principal Assistant Secretary, Mr. Kamara Daniel; Finance Officer, Mr. Yasini Muwanga; Area Inspector of Schools, Ms. Annita Namayanja; and the District Communication Officer, Mr. Kaddu Derrick Mbojjana.

The supervision visit forms part of Mukono District’s ongoing efforts to improve service delivery, enhance budget discipline, and ensure effective implementation of government programmes.

While welcoming the CAO, the Sub County leadership highlighted key challenges affecting development and service delivery. Ms. Leah Asingwire cited lack of electricity as a major obstacle to development, limited local revenue sources due to declining fish stocks, and the presence of only one Health Centre III serving the entire sub county, forcing residents to travel long distances to access health services.

The LCIII Chairperson of Mpunge Sub County, Ms. Namyalo Firida Muwanga, appreciated the CAO’s visit and noted that supervision strengthens performance and accountability. However, she raised concerns about understaffing, late reporting by some staff, teachers engaging in private businesses instead of focusing on their duties, and low local revenue collection.

The Town Clerk of Katosi Town Council, Mr. Magomu Kenneth, also highlighted several operational and financial challenges, including inadequate staffing, lack of transport for revenue collection and programme monitoring, and political interference in revenue collection processes.

He further noted limited taxpayer awareness, delays in fund releases, and lack of essential equipment such as Point of Sale machines under the IRAS system, which affects efficient revenue collection.

Mr. Magomu appealed for district support in strengthening staffing, improving revenue sensitization, and enhancing operational capacity to ensure effective service delivery.

While addressing technical staff and education officials, Mr. Ddamba emphasized the importance of financial discipline and warned officers against diverting funds from planned activities.

“Stop budgeting for activities you did not plan. Public resources must be used strictly according to approved budgets to ensure effective service delivery,” he said.

He also issued a strong warning to teachers against absenteeism and late coming, stressing that the district will enforce strict attendance monitoring.

“Teachers who fail to report to duty on time or abscond from their responsibilities risk having their salaries withheld until they comply with duty requirements,” Mr. Ddamba warned.

He further cautioned Parish Chiefs to ensure transparency and fairness in selecting beneficiaries under government programmes such as the Parish Development Model, emphasizing that support must reach the rightful individuals.

During the visit, Mr. Ddamba toured Mpunge Health Centre III and interacted with fishing groups in Katosi Town Council, including the Yagaliza Ofune Women Fish Processors Association and Nsanja Women Fish Processors and Traders Association.

He commended the women groups for embracing value addition, noting that such initiatives align with the Parish Development Model’s objective of improving household incomes.

The Health Centre In-Charge, Ms. Nabasumba, however, highlighted infrastructure challenges, including limited space and lack of staff accommodation, which affect health service delivery.

Mr. Ddamba reaffirmed Mukono District’s commitment to strengthening accountability, improving service delivery, and ensuring effective utilization of public resources across all lower local governments. He emphasized that discipline, teamwork, and transparency among civil servants are critical to achieving sustainable development.

He expressed confidence that through regular supervision, improved financial management, and stronger institutional coordination, Mukono District will continue to enhance service delivery and improve the livelihoods of its communities.