Minister of State for Public Service Lydia Wanyoto has pledged to increase the government wage bill to facilitate the recruitment of more civil servants, particularly in the education and health sectors.
Wanyoto made the commitment on Sunday while representing the Minister of ICT and National Guidance, Justine Kasule Lumumba, as guest of honour at the Social Communications Day celebrations for Fort Portal Diocese held at Kamwenge Catholic Deanery.
Her remarks followed concerns raised by Kamwenge District LCV Chairperson Joseph Karungi, who said the district’s staffing level currently stands at only 50 percent, a situation he said was affecting service delivery, especially in schools and health facilities.
Wanyoto said government was committed to addressing staffing gaps by providing the necessary resources to enable the recruitment of additional personnel.
The celebrations also featured calls for responsible use of communication technology.
Fort Portal Diocese Bishop, Rt. Rev. Dr. K. Robert Muhirwa Akiiki, urged journalists and members of the public to use communication gadgets productively and responsibly.
The diocesan Director of Social Communication, Rev. Fr. Peter Kyomuhendo, said the event was also aimed at raising funds to establish a diocesan printing press.
He said the diocese requires Shs300 million for the project, but only Shs35.39 million had been raised by the end of Monday’s function.
Meanwhile, Bunyangabu District Communications Officer Tusiime Christopher urged journalists to uphold objectivity and professionalism when reporting.
The Social Communications Day celebrations brought together clergy, journalists, local government leaders and members of the public to reflect on the role of communication in promoting development and responsible citizenship.