Communication Key to Service Delivery, Says PS Kumumanya

By Kyeyune Ali

KAMPALA — The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, has underscored the critical role of communication in enhancing service delivery and driving national development.

Speaking while opening a meeting of Local Government Communication Officers at Imperial Royale Hotel in Kampala on Friday morning, Mr. Kumumanya called for greater visibility and proactive engagement from communication officers at the district and municipal levels.

“There are many positive developments within government that go unnoticed — improved education facilities, better health centers, recruitment of essential staff, and ongoing road projects. These are stories worth telling,” he said.

He cited Kalaki and Terego districts as examples where newly established administrative blocks now provide better office space for staff — a milestone he said reflects government’s commitment to improving service delivery.

The meeting, attended by communication officers from across the country, seeks to craft a roadmap and action plan on how effective communication can contribute to national development and strengthen public trust in government programs.

Mr. Kumumanya emphasized that communication officers are among the 15 key positions local governments should prioritize in their recruitment plans. Others include Heads of Department, the Head of Internal Audit, the Head of Procurement, Principal Human Resource Officer (PHRO), Head of Water Department, and Secretary to the Service Commission.

He added that the issue of budgeting for communication will be raised during the next meeting of Local Government Accounting Officers to ensure communication functions receive adequate funding.

“When people are well-informed, they support government programs and hold institutions accountable constructively,” Mr. Kumumanya noted, stressing that effective communication bridges the gap between policy and the people.

The meeting is part of ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Local Government to strengthen institutional communication and promote transparency in service delivery.