MASINDI – Masindi district local government has recruited 16 Parish Chiefs and 11 Town Agents to work in the new created sub-counties and town councils.

Masindi district local government approved five sub-counties and four town councils which came into operation this financial year.

The sub-counties include; Kijunjubwa, Kiruli, Nyantonzi, Labongo and Bikonzi while the town councils include; Kyatiri, Bulima, Kijunjubwa and Kabango.

Initially, Masindi district had five traditional sub-counties but currently the district has a total of 18 administrative units excluding the municipality.

Speaking during the district budget conference on Tuesday at the education hall in Masindi town, Phionah Sanyu, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Masindi explained that the recruited officials are awaiting deployment to where they’re supposed to work.

“This resulted into a shortfall of Shs 144 million as recruitment was not planned for under unconditional grant wage. A supplementary budget has been made,” said Sanyu.

Sanyu also told the meeting that the LC3 Chairpersons for the new created lower units are not yet on payroll due to lack of positions on the payroll and budget.

“This issue is being pursued with the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of public service,” added Sanyu.

Cosmas Byaruhanga, the Masindi district LCV Chairperson had earlier on told journalists that the district authorities have written to Ministry of Finance to create space on the system such that new staff members can be accommodated.

“Even if we have the money but when it comes to payment, there’s no space at the Ministry of Finance because the system is still recognizing the original five sub-counties. The Ministry of Public Service is working around the clock to make sure that they get information and give it to the Ministry of Finance such that they create space to effect the payment,” said Byaruhanga.

He called upon the Chairpersons and the Councillors from the new created administrative units to be patient noting that the issue is going to be sorted very soon.

“These units have just been operationalized. It wouldn’t be automatic for them to be in the system. They should just be patient because we are trying our level best,” he added.

The Chairpersons from the different new lower units have been complaining that none payment of their salaries is curtailing them from effectively executing their work.

The Councilors from the new created administrative units have also not yet started receiving their council emoluments and the funds for other activities since they’re not yet coded.

Sapline Balyebuga, the LC3 Chairperson, Kabango Town Council wants the government to expedite the process such that they can start receiving their salary.

“Everyday I spend my own money on fuel, airtime, and transport. We also have our own needs to fulfill. Staying without payment is indeed affecting us,” explained Balyebuga.

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