A new civil society report has exposed widespread absenteeism and poor time management among health workers in Lira District and Lira City, with many medical staff reportedly working as little as two hours daily, further undermining healthcare access in already underserved communities.
The report, titled Strengthening Citizens’ Engagement and Public Accountability (SCEPA) Regional Issues Paper on Citizens’ Development and Governance Aspirations, was unveiled during a dissemination forum held on Monday in Lira, attended by local leaders, civil society actors, and community members.
Based on grassroots consultations across 27 community dialogues, the report highlights that in health centers such as Baropwo, Agali, Onywako, and Ober, most staff reportedly arrive around 11 a.m. and leave by 1 p.m., regardless of patient load or emergencies.
“This issue largely stems from a lack of monitoring and supervision. Many health workers live far from their duty stations due to inadequate housing and limited staff accommodation. Consequently, they come late and leave early,” the report states.
The problem is particularly acute in rural health centers, where absenteeism among both junior staff and in-charges has become routine.
Communities in Barr, Anyangatir, Anywako, and Amach health center catchment areas frequently report unmanned facilities or being turned away due to the absence of key personnel.
Lira District LC5 Chairperson Richard Okello Orik criticized senior health workers, noting many spend more time at private clinics than government facilities.
“They come late to work despite being well paid. In fact, increasing their salaries has worsened the situation. In some centers, the in-charge is never present, and now they have devised ways to sign in for each other,” Okello said.
Okello warned that district leadership will start impromptu inspections to hold negligent workers accountable, condemning the ongoing exploitation of the public health system.
The SCEPA report, compiled by Facilitation for Peace and Development, a non-governmental organization, also links absenteeism to challenges such as drug stockouts, understaffing, poor infrastructure, and declining patient satisfaction.
“Some staff deliberately avoid duty knowing there will be no follow-up, enabling them to operate private clinics or take on second jobs while drawing full government pay," the report says.
"Community members also reported rude behavior from health workers, especially midwives, and a lack of emergency response at rural units due to absent or overburdened staff,” it adds.
Patricia Grace Dikan, Project Officer for Advocacy and Governance at Facilitation for Peace and Development, said the findings are part of a broader civic engagement process aimed at shaping public policy and political commitments ahead of Uganda’s 2026 general elections.
The forums, supported by civil society organizations, gave voice to nearly 800 citizens, many women and youth, who called for urgent action in health, education, and infrastructure sectors.
Isaac Ojok, Lira District Councilor representing Agweng Town Council, said the report accurately reflects the dire state of rural health service delivery.
“This report captures exactly what we, as leaders and citizens, experience daily. Health workers working only two hours is a real issue. People walk long distances to health centers only to be told staff have not arrived or have already left,” he said.