The newly sworn-in Kabale District LC5 Chairperson, Denis Nzeirwe Ndyomugyenyi, has directed Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Robert Mugabe to clean up the district pensioners’ payroll within 30 days as part of a reform agenda aimed at restoring accountability and improving service delivery.
Ndyomugyenyi issued the directive on Monday during his maiden speech at the swearing-in ceremony held at Sulvanah Square Grounds at the Kabale District headquarters.
He expressed concern over the mistreatment of pensioners, describing it as a shame that undermines retirees who served Kabale District for decades. He tasked the CAO with compiling a clean payroll and publishing a clear schedule for pension payments, warning officials against delays, extortion, and unnecessary bureaucracy in the processing of gratuity and retirement benefits.
“Retired teachers, health workers, road workers, and other civil servants who served the district faithfully for over 30 years deserve dignity and respect in retirement,” Ndyomugyenyi said.
Ndyomugyenyi also warned against selective staff promotions, saying favoritism had demoralized public servants and negatively affected service delivery. He directed the CAO and the Human Resource Department to ensure all promotions are handled transparently through the District Service Commission and based on merit, competence, and qualifications.
He pledged to promote value for money in public expenditure and said he would protect whistleblowers who expose corruption and misuse of public funds.
“Civil servants should reject corruption and illegal directives. Every shilling lost denies essential services to Kabale residents,” Ndyomugyenyi stated.
The chairperson urged Members of Parliament from Kabale to support district priorities in Parliament while district leaders ensure accountability in the implementation of government programmes. He said leaders should focus on fighting poverty, disease, and underdevelopment instead of engaging in unnecessary conflicts.
Addressing councillors, Ndyomugyenyi emphasized the need to prioritize service delivery, constructive debate, and development over personal interests and political differences. He said the council should serve as a platform for ideas, innovation, and accountability.
Ndyomugyenyi acknowledged long-standing frustrations among civil servants, including corruption, unfair promotions, delayed salaries, and poor treatment of pensioners. He promised a more supportive working environment while demanding integrity, discipline, and commitment from staff.
On education, he announced plans to introduce free examinations for all pupils in government primary schools in Kabale District. The district will procure printing equipment to produce monthly tests, mock examinations, and end-of-term assessments aimed at improving academic performance.
He also pledged compulsory teacher training at the sub-county level to improve teaching quality and curriculum implementation.
“I hereby direct the CAO and the District Education Officer to present a procurement plan for the printing equipment and a teacher training schedule within the first 100 days. Within 90 days, my administration will align departmental work plans with the district development agenda, publish staff lists and pending pension files, and conduct field visits to monitor service delivery and government projects,” Ndyomugyenyi noted.
Ndyomugyenyi said his administration is not at war with civil servants but is committed to empowering them while cracking down on corruption.
