Lamwo district leaders have moved to stop civil servants from commuting daily from outside the district, arguing that the practice has contributed to poor service delivery, absenteeism, and high operational costs.
Beginning July 1, 2026, all district vehicles, motorcycles, and civil servants of Lamwo district local government will be required to operate from within the district.
The directive was issued by Lamwo district chairperson Sisto Oyet Ocen in a letter dated June 22, 2026, addressed to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), seeking the support of security agencies in enforcing the new measure.
According to Oyet, many technical staff members currently reside outside Lamwo and travel long distances to work every day, a practice he says has resulted in late reporting to duty, absenteeism, excessive fuel consumption, and increased wear and tear on government vehicles and motorcycles.
“The District Security Committee unanimously supported the proposal to restrict the operation of district vehicles and motorcycles from outside Lamwo,” Oyet said in the letter.
The district leadership argues that requiring civil servants to live closer to their duty stations will improve efficiency and ensure that residents receive timely services. The move comes as Lamwo struggles to improve its performance in national local government assessments.
In the latest Local Government Management of Service Delivery Assessment, Lamwo ranked 170th among local governments across the country, making it one of Uganda’s worst-performing district administrations.
The assessment cited weaknesses in governance, supervision, planning, infrastructure management, and overall service delivery.
District leaders believe that reducing absenteeism and ensuring officers are readily available at their workplaces could help reverse the district’s poor performance.
The directive also cites the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders, particularly Section F-a (13), which requires public officers not to leave their duty stations without informing their supervisors or accounting officers.
Oyet has asked security agencies to monitor compliance beginning July 1 and recommended that any officer found violating the directive face appropriate administrative action through the accounting officer.
Residents interviewed welcomed the move, saying it could improve accountability within public offices.
John Okello, a resident of Padibe town council, said many government workers are often unavailable because they spend considerable time travelling from neighbouring districts.
“It is common to visit offices and fail to find the officer you need because they have not yet arrived or have already left for home. This directive may change that,” Okello said.
Susan Abodo, a resident in Padibe West, described the decision as long overdue, arguing that public servants should be available within the communities they serve.
Others say the policy could also stimulate the local economy. “When civil servants live in Lamwo, they rent houses here, buy goods from local businesses and contribute to economic growth,” said Peter Ojara, a resident of Katum sub-county.
However, some residents urged district leaders to invest in adequate housing and social amenities to support workers who may be required to relocate.
Copies of the directive have been sent to the Ministry of Local Government, Members of Parliament representing Lamwo district, the Chief Administrative Officer, and the District Police Commander.
Lamwo Chief Administrative Officer, Chuna Moses Kapolon, confirmed receipt of the district chairperson’s directive and said as the accounting officer, they shall review the directive in line with the Public Service Standing Orders and existing government regulations to ensure smooth implementation.
He added that the district administration remains committed to improving service delivery and staff accountability.
“Our priority is to ensure that public officers effectively serve the people of Lamwo. Any measures aimed at improving efficiency, punctuality and accountability will be considered within the framework of the law and public service guidelines,” he recently noted.
Lamwo RDC, William Komakech, also acknowledged receiving the communication and pledged support towards improving service delivery in the district.
“I have received the letter from the district chairperson regarding the resolution of the District Security Committee. Security agencies will work with the district leadership to ensure that any lawful directive intended to improve service delivery is implemented,” Komakech said.
He said government workers are expected to remain accessible to the communities they serve.
“Public servants are posted to specific duty stations for a reason. They should be available and responsive to the people they serve. We shall continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure that service delivery improves in Lamwo,” Komakech added.
As implementation begins next month, attention will now turn to whether the new policy can help improve accountability and reverse Lamwo’s poor performance in national rankings.
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