Rukungiri District Celebrates Top National Ranking in Government Performance Assessment

Rukungiri: Rukungiri District has celebrated its outstanding performance in the latest assessment by the Office of the Prime Minister, where it ranked 8th out of 176 districts, municipalities, and cities across Uganda for FY 2023/24.

The celebration took place on May 28, at the district headquarters, with district leaders and technocrats in attendance.

According to the Chief Administrative Officer of Rukungiri District Masokoyi Swalikh Wasswa, the Local Government Management of Service Delivery (LGMSD) performance assessment framework began in the 2017/18 financial year. It is a key component of the Uganda Intergovernmental Fiscal Transfer (UGIFT) reforms.

Each year, the Office of the Prime Minister contracts a private consultant to assess all local governments. The overall goal is to promote effective governance, improve systems, and enhance service delivery.

Masokoyi noted that Rukungiri’s ranking has steadily improved over the years, In 2020/21, it ranked 112th out of 154, In 2021/22, it moved to 28th out of 153, In 2022/23, it was 37th out of 176 and in 2023/24, it rose to 8th out of 176

As a result of this improved performance, the district’s development grant increased by UGX 1,088,974,352.

During the celebration, Bugangari Sub-county was awarded a certificate of recognition for outstanding performance after scoring 100% and ranking 1st. Nyarushanje and Kebisoni sub-counties both tied in 2nd place, each scoring 95%.

High-performing departments included, Water Department, which scored 91.6% and ranked 8th nationally, Health Department, with 88%, Education Department, with 87%, Both the Health and Education departments also ranked 8th at the national level.

Several individuals who demonstrated excellence were also awarded certificates.

Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Steven Nsubuga Bewayo, also nicknamed Twinomugisha, thanked President Yoweri Museveni for the peace in Uganda, which he said has enabled community development and improved service delivery. He pledged to continue maintaining security in the district.

District LCV Chairperson Geoffrey Kyomukama, who served as the guest of honor, highlighted key achievements during their term of office such as the ongoing upgrade of Rukungiri District Hospital, the establishment of Kabale University campus in Rukungiri, Road rehabilitation, School renovations and construction, Health facility upgrades, Implementation of government programs like the Parish Development Model, Emyooga, and WEP.

He urged residents to vote for competent and visionary leaders to ensure continued development and strong governance.