Residents of Gomba District have appealed to the government to expedite funding for the completion of the district’s new administration block, arguing that delays in the project continue to affect access to essential public services.
For years, residents have had to navigate a fragmented administrative system, with several district departments operating from different locations despite the district headquarters being situated in Tondola.
Key departments, including Production, Community-Based Services, Trade and Commercial Services, and the District Service Commission, continue to operate from Kyegonza Sub-county.
The Resident District Commissioner’s office is also located at the county headquarters rather than the district headquarters.
Residents say the arrangement has created significant challenges, often forcing them to travel long distances in search of services.
“We travel from Kyaayi or Kigayaza and can spend up to three hours reaching the district headquarters, only to be told that the office we need is in Kyegonza. After travelling again, sometimes we find the offices closed or the officers absent,” some residents said.
They noted that the scattered nature of district offices has affected service delivery across several sectors, particularly agriculture, where farmers seeking technical support often struggle to access government extension workers in time.
According to residents, many farmers have increasingly turned to private experts for assistance due to the difficulties involved in accessing district officials.
The residents blamed both district leaders and the government for the prolonged delay in establishing a fully functional district headquarters where all departments can operate under one roof.
They urged the government to provide adequate funding to speed up construction works, saying the completion of the administration block would greatly improve service delivery and reduce the burden on residents.
“We can see the building coming up, but progress is slow because funding is released in phases. Government should provide the necessary resources so that the project is completed and residents can access all services from one location,” local leaders said.
Gomba District Engineer Herbert Mutyaba said the new administration block is designed to accommodate all district departments currently operating outside the district headquarters.
Mutyaba said the building, which has been under construction for the past two years, will contain 28 offices, a large council hall and other administrative facilities.
He revealed that construction of the ground floor has been completed, while finishing works on the upper floor are nearing completion.
The district engineer expressed optimism that the facility will be ready for occupation before the end of the year.
The project, estimated to cost about Shs3 billion, is being funded by the central government. However, progress has been slowed by the phased release of funds.
Once completed, all district departments currently operating from Kyegonza and other temporary locations will be relocated to the new headquarters, creating a centralised service centre intended to improve efficiency and ease access to government services for residents across Gomba District.
