The Production Department in a District Local Government in Uganda is a vital sector focused on enhancing agricultural productivity, food security, and household incomes, particularly given that a vast majority of the Ugandan population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. Headed by the District Production Officer (DPO), this department is responsible for providing extension services, promoting modern farming techniques, and implementing government policies and programs related to crops, livestock, and fisheries.   

The department's overarching goal is to transform subsistence farming into commercial agriculture, thereby contributing to local economic development and the national economy. It works to ensure sustainable and market-oriented production, ensuring that farmers have access to the necessary knowledge, inputs, and technologies to improve their yields and quality of produce.   

Key functions of the Production Department include:

• Agricultural Extension Services: Providing technical guidance and advisory services to farmers on improved farming methods, appropriate technologies, crop and animal husbandry, pest and disease control, and post-harvest handling. This includes both general extension and specialized advice across various agricultural value chains.   
• Crop Production: Promoting the cultivation of high-value crops, improving soil fertility, advocating for the use of improved seed varieties, and implementing measures for crop protection against pests and diseases. This also involves promoting agro-processing and value addition for various crops.   
• Livestock Development and Veterinary Services: Overseeing animal health, including disease surveillance, prevention, and control (e.g., through vaccination campaigns and enforcing quarantines). It also provides guidance on proper animal rearing, breeding, animal nutrition, and ensuring veterinary public health through meat inspection and control of zoonotic diseases.   
• Fisheries Development: Promoting sustainable fish farming (aquaculture), providing technical advice on pond construction, management, and harvesting. It also includes monitoring fish stocks, enforcing fishing regulations, and ensuring the quality and safety of fish products.   
• Entomology and Vermin Control: Managing and controlling insect pests, vectors, and vermin that affect crops, livestock, and public health, including promoting strategies like bee-keeping.   
• Trade and Industry Promotion: Supporting local economic development through promoting value addition, agro-processing initiatives, and linkages to markets. This also involves fostering the development of cooperatives and Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) to enhance farmers' access to finance and collective marketing.   
• Data Collection and Information Dissemination: Collecting, processing, and disseminating agricultural statistics and market information to farmers and other stakeholders to inform decision-making.
• Policy Implementation and Enforcement: Ensuring the implementation of national agricultural policies, laws, and regulations related to crop production, animal husbandry, fisheries, and the use of agricultural chemicals, veterinary drugs, and other inputs.   
• Capacity Building: Organizing training programs and demonstrations for farmers, farmer groups, and extension staff to enhance their knowledge and skills in modern agricultural practices.   

The Production Department typically comprises sub-departments or sectors such as Crop Agriculture, Veterinary Services (Livestock), Fisheries, and sometimes Entomology and Trade/Marketing. By focusing on these integrated areas, the department aims to boost household incomes, ensure food and nutrition security, and ultimately contribute to the overall socio-economic well-being of the district.

The Natural Resources Department in a District Local Government in Uganda is mandated to ensure the sustainable utilization, conservation, and management of the district's natural heritage. Headed by the District Natural Resources Officer (DNRO), this department is crucial for balancing economic development with environmental protection, given that a significant portion of Uganda's population relies directly on natural resources for their livelihoods.   

Operating under the provisions of the Constitution of Uganda (Article 237 (2) b), the National Environment Act, the Forestry Act, and the Lands Act, the department plays a pivotal role in implementing national policies, laws, and regulations related to natural resource management at the local level. Its core objective is to promote responsible stewardship of natural assets for the benefit of both present and future generations.   

Key functions of the Natural Resources Department include:

• Environmental Management and Conservation: Overseeing the protection of the district's environment, including pollution control, waste management, climate change adaptation, and promoting sustainable environmental practices. This involves conducting Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for development projects.   
• Wetlands Management: Protecting and restoring wetlands, which are vital for water purification, biodiversity, and climate regulation. This includes regulating activities within wetlands and promoting community awareness on their importance.   
• Forestry Management: Promoting afforestation, reforestation, and sustainable forest management practices. This involves regulating logging, monitoring forest reserves (including local forest reserves), and encouraging agroforestry and tree planting initiatives among communities.   
• Land Management and Physical Planning: Providing services related to land use planning, land tenure regularization, surveying, physical planning, and enforcement of land use regulations. This aims to ensure orderly development, minimize land conflicts, and promote sustainable land management practices. It also involves working with the District Land Board.   
• Biodiversity Conservation: Implementing strategies to safeguard biodiversity, protect endangered species, and restore degraded ecosystems within the district.
• Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement: Monitoring compliance with environmental laws, regulations, and district ordinances. This includes issuing permits and licenses for activities such as tree cutting and wetland utilization, and taking enforcement actions against violations.   
• Community Mobilization and Sensitization: Creating awareness among communities and stakeholders about the importance of natural resources, sustainable utilization practices, and their roles in environmental protection. This often involves extension services and public education programs.   
• Data Collection and Reporting: Collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data on the state of natural resources in the district, and preparing reports such as the annual District State of Environment Report.   
• Coordination and Partnership: Liaising with relevant central government ministries (e.g., Ministry of Water and Environment, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development), government agencies (e.g., NEMA, NFA), NGOs, CBOs, and local communities to harmonize efforts and mobilize resources for natural resource management.   

The department is typically structured into sub-sectors focusing on Environment and Wetlands, Forestry, and Lands and Physical Planning. By integrating these functions, the Natural Resources Department contributes significantly to the district's sustainable development, poverty reduction, and improved livelihoods for its residents.   

The Internal Audit Department in a District Local Government in Uganda is an independent and objective assurance and consulting function, statutorily provided for under Section 90 of the Local Government Act (Cap. 243) and Section 48 of the Public Finance Management Act, 2015. Headed by the District Internal Auditor (often a Principal Internal Auditor), this department plays a crucial oversight role in promoting good governance, accountability, and the efficient use of public resources.

The primary mission of the Internal Audit Department is to enhance and protect organizational value by providing risk-based and objective assurance, advice, and insight. It acts as an integral part of the district's governance structure, reporting functionally to the District Council and administratively to the Chief Administrative Officer. Its independence is vital to its credibility and effectiveness.

Key functions of the Internal Audit Department include:

• Appraising Internal Controls: Evaluating the soundness, adequacy, and effectiveness of the district's internal control systems across all departments and programs. This includes financial, operational, and compliance controls to safeguard assets, ensure accuracy of financial records, and promote operational efficiency.
• Risk Management: Assessing and contributing to the improvement of the district's risk management processes. This involves identifying potential risks to the district's objectives and evaluating the effectiveness of measures put in place to mitigate those risks.
• Performance and Value for Money Audits: Providing assurance on the efficiency, effectiveness, and economy in the administration of programs and operations. This goes beyond mere financial compliance to assess whether resources are being utilized to achieve intended outcomes and provide value for money.
• Compliance Audits: Ensuring strict adherence to all relevant laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing public finance and local government operations in Uganda, including the Public Finance Management Act, Local Governments Act, Treasury Instructions, and procurement regulations.
• Financial Auditing: Verifying the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of financial records, transactions, and reports. This includes auditing revenue collections, expenditures, payroll, asset management, and grants utilization.
• Special Audit Assignments and Investigations: Conducting specific audits or investigations as requested by the District Council, management, or when anomalies are suspected, to uncover fraud, waste, or abuse.
• Reporting and Recommendations: Preparing comprehensive audit reports that highlight findings, identified risks, and provide actionable recommendations for improving controls, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring compliance. These reports are submitted to the District Council and relevant management for action.
• Follow-up on Audit Recommendations: Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of audit recommendations by management and other departments to ensure that identified weaknesses are addressed and improvements are sustained.
• Advisory Services: Providing independent and objective advice to the District Council and management on matters related to governance, risk management, and internal controls, aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and achieving district objectives.

The Internal Audit Department is critical in safeguarding public assets, promoting accountability, preventing financial mismanagement, and ultimately contributing to the effective delivery of services and sustainable development within the district.

The Health Department within a District Local Government in Uganda is a critical pillar for ensuring the well-being and productivity of the district's population. Led by the District Health Officer (DHO), this department is responsible for the planning, management, and coordination of all health services, both public and private, within the district. Operating within the decentralized framework of Uganda's health system, the department is tasked with implementing national health policies and the Uganda National Minimum Health Care Package (UNMHCP) at the local level.

The core mandate of the Health Department is to promote, prevent, cure, rehabilitate, and palliate diseases, ultimately aiming for a healthy and productive population that contributes to socio-economic growth. It serves as the primary technical arm of the Ministry of Health at the district level, ensuring that health standards are maintained and services are accessible and equitable for all residents, including vulnerable populations.   

Key functions of the Health Department include:

• Strategic Planning and Budgeting: Developing comprehensive district health plans and annual budgets that align with national health priorities and local needs, and mobilizing resources for health service delivery and infrastructure development.
• Service Delivery Oversight: Managing and coordinating the entire network of health facilities within the district, from Health Centre IIs (parish level) up to Health Centre IVs (county level/health sub-districts) and potentially general hospitals, ensuring effective and efficient service provision. This includes outpatient care, maternal and child health services (antenatal care, deliveries, immunizations), communicable and non-communicable disease control, and basic diagnostic services.
• Disease Surveillance and Control: Implementing robust disease surveillance systems to monitor public health threats, investigate outbreaks, and initiate timely interventions for prevention and control of infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, TB, and other prevalent conditions.   
• Human Resources for Health: Managing the district health workforce, including recruitment, deployment, performance management, capacity building, and ensuring staff welfare for all health workers.
• Drug and Supply Chain Management: Overseeing the procurement, storage, and distribution of essential medicines, vaccines, medical equipment, and other supplies to all health units within the district, ensuring their availability and proper utilization.   
• Health Information Management System (HMIS): Collecting, compiling, analyzing, and disseminating routine health data to inform decision-making, monitor program performance, and report to higher levels of government and stakeholders.
• Community Health Promotion: Leading public health campaigns, health education initiatives, and community engagement programs to promote healthy behaviors, sanitation, and hygiene, and to encourage community participation in local health service planning and implementation (e.g., through Village Health Teams - VHTs).   
• Quality Assurance and Standards: Providing technical guidance and support supervision to health centers, enforcing professional and service codes of conduct and ethics, and ensuring adherence to national health service delivery standards.
• Coordination with Stakeholders: Liaising with the Ministry of Health, other government departments, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations, and private health providers to foster partnerships and harmonize health interventions.   

The Health Department typically comprises various units or sections such as Public Health, Clinical Services, Planning and Biostatistics, Environmental Health, and Health Promotion, all working collaboratively under the guidance of the DHO to improve the overall health outcomes of the district.

The Finance Department is the fiscal engine of a District Local Government in Uganda, playing a critical role in ensuring financial sustainability, accountability, and the prudent management of public funds. Headed by the Chief Finance Officer (CFO), the department is responsible for all financial transactions, budgeting, revenue mobilization, and financial reporting in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act, the Local Governments Act, and other relevant financial regulations and guidelines.

Its overarching objective is to achieve sound financial management and accountability, thereby supporting the district's capacity to deliver essential services to its populace. The department works to ensure transparency and efficiency in all financial operations, from revenue collection to expenditure and asset management.

Key functions of the Finance Department include:

• Budgeting and Financial Planning: Preparing and consolidating the district's annual budget and work plans, ensuring alignment with national development plans and local priorities. This involves coordinating with all other departments to develop realistic and effective financial projections.
• Revenue Mobilization and Collection: Identifying and expanding the local revenue base, overseeing the collection of taxes, fees, levies, and other charges due to the council, and ensuring prompt deposit of collected funds.
• Expenditure Management: Managing and controlling all district expenditures, ensuring they are lawful, properly authorized, and align with the approved budget. This involves processing payments to staff, councillors, contractors, and other beneficiaries.
• Financial Accounting and Reporting: Maintaining comprehensive and accurate books of accounts, preparing regular financial statements (monthly, quarterly, and annual), and generating reports for internal review, the District Council, the Auditor General, and relevant central government ministries. This includes adherence to approved accounting systems and standards.
• Asset Management: Overseeing the proper acquisition, maintenance, and disposal of all district assets, including buildings, vehicles, office equipment, and other properties.
• Financial Advisory Services: Providing expert financial advice to the District Council, the District Executive Committee, and other departments on all fiscal matters, including investment decisions, financial policies, and compliance issues.
• Audit Coordination: Facilitating both internal and external audits, providing all necessary financial records and information, and ensuring that audit queries are addressed and recommendations implemented.
• Grants Management: Administering and accounting for funds received from the Central Government (unconditional, conditional, and equalization grants) and development partners, ensuring their utilization for intended purposes.

The Finance Department typically has sub-departments or sections such as Revenue, Expenditure, Budget, Accounts, and Administration, all working collaboratively under the CFO to uphold fiscal discipline and support the district's development agenda.

The Administration Department in a District Local Government in Uganda serves as the central coordinating and support arm for all district operations. Headed by the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO), and working closely under the overall guidance of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), this department is crucial for ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the entire district administration in Kampala and across other districts. It is responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight, and technical guidance on a wide range of administrative matters.

The department plays a pivotal role in human resource management, including recruitment, deployment, performance management, staff welfare, and adherence to public service standing orders for all district employees. It also oversees general office administration, records management, and the proper utilization and maintenance of district assets. Furthermore, the Administration Department is key in facilitating effective communication and coordination between various departments within the district, as well as with other levels of government (including the Central Government and other Local Governments in Uganda) and external stakeholders. It is often the first point of contact for citizens and other external entities interacting with the district administration.

Its sub-departments or key functions typically include:

• Human Resources Management: Focusing on personnel management, staff development, training, payroll administration, pension management, and ensuring compliance with public service regulations.
• Records and Information Management: Responsible for maintaining official documents, archives, information flow, and ensuring data security and accessibility.
• General Administration and Logistics: Overseeing office supplies, transport management, maintenance of premises, security, and general operational support for all district functions.
• Secretariat Services: Providing administrative support to the District Executive Committee, the Chief Administrative Officer's office, and often coordinating with the Clerk to Council for District Council matters.
• Public Relations and Communication: Managing external communications, public inquiries, and promoting a positive image of the district local government.

In essence, the Administration Department, under the leadership of the DCAO, acts as the backbone of the district local government, ensuring that all other departments have the necessary administrative framework, human capital, and operational support to effectively deliver services and achieve the district's development objectives in line with national priorities.

About the Education Department

The Education Department in a District Local Government in Uganda is a cornerstone of human development, mandated to oversee and facilitate the provision of quality education and sports services across the district. Headed by the District Education Officer (DEO), the department operates under the guidance of national education policies and the Decentralization framework outlined in the Local Governments Act.

Its primary role is to implement and monitor education laws, policies, and programs, ensuring that all schools and educational institutions within the district adhere to national standards. This includes the management of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) initiatives, aiming to increase access, equity, and relevance of education for all children, including those with special needs.

Currently, the district boosts of 54 government-aided primary schools and Eight government-aided secondary schools. The secondary schools are; Makuutu Seed school, Bishop Willigers Secondary School, Bulunguli Seed School, Nkuutu Memorial Secondary School, Mpiita Seed school, Bubinga High Secondary School Naigombwa Seed Secondary and  Busembatia  Secondary School. 

Key responsibilities of the Education Department include:

·        Policy Implementation and Coordination: Ensuring effective translation of national education policies and plans into actionable strategies at the district level.

·        School Inspection and Supervision: Conducting regular inspections of pre-primary, primary, secondary, and vocational institutions to monitor curriculum implementation, teaching standards, and overall school performance. This also includes providing technical support and guidance to head teachers and school management committees.

·        Teacher Management: Overseeing the welfare, performance, and professional development of teachers, including organizing training programs and maintaining accurate personnel data.

·        Resource Mobilization and Management: Planning and budgeting for education service delivery, mobilizing resources, and ensuring efficient and accountable utilization of funds and materials for school infrastructure, learning materials, and other educational needs.

·        Data Collection and Reporting: Collecting, managing, and analyzing school data to inform decision-making, identify areas for improvement, and prepare periodic reports for higher authorities.

·        Promotion of Co-curricular Activities: Coordinating and promoting sports, music, dance, and drama programs within educational institutions.

·        Community Engagement: Mobilizing communities and stakeholders to actively participate in school programs and support educational initiatives.

·        Special Needs Education (SNE): Identifying and enrolling children with special educational needs, training teachers, and supporting inclusive education practices.

The Education Department is typically structured into sub-departments such as Administration, Inspectorate, and Special Needs Education, each contributing to the holistic development and oversight of the education sector in the district. Through these functions, the department strives to foster a literate, skilled, and empowered community capable of contributing to national development.

Number of Private Institutions

·        Pre-primary schools –90

·        Primary schools – 147

·        Secondary schools- 18

Number of Technical Schools

·        Mbigiti Memorial Training  Institute

Enrollment 

·        Enrollment in government-aided primary schools  46,541

·        Enrollment government-aided Secondary schools   6306

Key Highlights 

2024/2025

2023/2024

2022/2023

2021/2022