Public Service Ministry Eyes Shs308 Billion for 19 Zonal Service Hubs

The Ministry of Public Service has presented a proposal to Parliament seeking Shs308 billion to fund the establishment of 19 zonal service centres across Uganda. This initiative is designed to bring a wide range of government services closer to the public, alleviating the congestion often experienced at service points in the capital city.

According to Permanent Secretary Catherine Bitarakwate Musingwiire, these centres will operate under a “one-stop” model. Citizens in regions like Gulu, Mbale, Mbarara, and Arua will be able to access multiple services under one roof without the necessity of traveling to Kampala.

The Ministry plans to leverage the existing infrastructure of Posta Uganda, utilizing its extensive network of regional offices. This approach is expected to significantly reduce capital costs and shorten the timeline for implementation.

The requested funds will cover the refurbishment of facilities, the setup of necessary ICT systems, staffing, and the initial operational costs for the 19 centres during their first phase.

Services anticipated at these zonal hubs include passport and driving permit issuance, tax assessment, payroll updates, and pension verification. The centres will also integrate with other government systems like NIRA and URA for real-time data updates.

While the Sectoral Committee on Public Service has welcomed the proposal, they have requested a detailed rollout plan, staffing structure, and measures to ensure accountability. Committee members noted that such centres could improve service delivery and potentially reduce corruption by minimizing the need for long-distance travel or reliance on intermediaries.

The proposal is currently under parliamentary review as part of the Ministry’s budget for the upcoming financial year.

Source: Nile Post