Maj. Martha Asiimwe, Head of the RDC Secretariat in the Office of the President, has called for unity among leaders at all levels to enhance service delivery across the country.
Speaking during a mobilisation meeting in Lira District on Tuesday, Maj. Asiimwe urged political, technical, and community leaders to abandon working in isolation and instead embrace collective responsibility.
She commended the improving security situation in Lira, attributing the progress to the commitment of local leaders.
While acknowledging that the Secretariat operates under the highest political office, she clarified that its mission is not political but geared toward improving the livelihoods of citizens.
Quoting Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” Maj. Asiimwe emphasised the importance of informing citizens.
“Delivering services without informing the people is like pouring water into a container that no one drinks from,” she said, underscoring the need for community engagement.
She called on all stakeholders to work as a team, communicate openly, and avoid operating in silos.
“Tough times don’t last, but tough teams do,” she concluded.
Lt. Col. (Rtd) Ambako Kibrai, Senior Presidential Advisor on Mobilisation attached to the RDC Secretariat, raised concerns about the continued illegal charges in schools, despite the government’s policy on free primary and secondary education.
He reminded participants that the government already covers tuition, facilities, and learning materials, and that parents are only expected to provide meals.
“Extra fees undermine the spirit of Universal Primary and Secondary Education,” he said.
Kibrai also stressed the importance of tracking learners’ progress.
He noted that the current Education Management Information System (EMIS) only captures initial enrollment but fails to follow students through their education journey.
He urged parents, teachers, and local leaders to work together to keep children in school and ensure they complete their studies.
Turning to healthcare, Kibrai acknowledged government efforts in supplying medicines to health centres but expressed concern over recurring stockouts.
He encouraged health workers to be transparent with patients when medicines run out, rather than staying silent, which only breeds mistrust.
He called for stronger grassroots mobilisation to raise awareness about primary healthcare and rebuild public trust in the health system.
Dr. Str Akiror Mary Grace, Deputy Head of the RDC Secretariat and Anti-Corruption Unit, urged public servants in Lira District to move beyond titles and focus on delivering services.
She reminded them that the RDC Secretariat was established by President Museveni in 2018 to fight corruption and ensure that government services reach the people.
“Our current focus is not just on chasing corruption, but on fixing poor service delivery,” Dr. Akiror said. She criticised absentee officers who still expect salaries, posing the rhetorical question: “If a patient dies because a doctor was absent, who is responsible?”
She challenged leaders to reflect on their performance, warning them not to take their positions for granted.
“Today, you are in that office; tomorrow, you may not be. What legacy are you leaving behind?” she asked.
Her message was clear: show up, serve with purpose, and be accountable to the people.
