Kween District Chairperson Locks Out Late-Coming Staff

Kween District is implementing a new, stringent approach to punctuality, with Local Council V Chairperson Paul Majinjach Kapchemaiko personally ensuring that staff adhere to working hours. On Monday, Kapchemaiko arrived at the district headquarters before 8:00 AM, finding many employees had not yet reported for duty, despite official hours starting earlier.

To enforce the Public Service Standing Orders, police officers were stationed at the main entrance to prevent latecomers from entering the premises. Several staff members, including the Chief Administrative Officer, were consequently locked out and remained outside until later in the morning.

Kapchemaiko convened an emergency meeting upon allowing staff entry, issuing a final warning and emphasizing that the action was a measure to restore discipline and enhance service delivery. He stated that the perception of local government jobs being flexible was unacceptable and vowed to continue such measures to ensure punctuality.

While some staff acknowledged the need for better accountability, they suggested that disciplinary actions should be preceded by clear communication and dialogue. Former local councilor Joseph Chebengat and Mark Cherop from the Kapchorwa Civil Society Alliance both lauded the chairperson’s initiative, highlighting that punctuality and commitment are crucial for effective public service and citizen satisfaction.

The district leadership has signaled that staff attendance and performance will continue to be monitored, with further disciplinary actions planned for repeat offenders. The goal is to foster a culture of seriousness and responsibility among civil servants in Kween.

Source: The Observer (Uganda)