By a concerned Teacher in Zombo District

I bring you greetings! It is with a sincere heart and genuine concern that I write this message. For many years, weak accountability and integrity failures have undermined public service delivery across this district.

These shortcomings are among the key reasons Zombo has been ranked the poorest in the West Nile Sub-region.

Gaps in accountability exist at every level of local government, from the lowest administrative units to the highest.

While the President’s national efforts to promote transparency and good governance are clear, their full impact has not yet been felt at the local level, where challenges remain distinct.

A positive shift is now underway.

The sustained accountability measures advanced by our Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Festus Ayikobua demonstrate real progress toward stronger integrity systems. 

Even when relatives or acquaintances face enforcement of these standards, overall public service outcomes are improving.

It is difficult to understand why some residents of Zombo continue to criticise these accountability efforts.

We regularly express frustration about limited employment opportunities, the mismanagement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, and other shortfalls in social service delivery, yet we overlook the practical steps being taken to address the root causes. 

Had Mr. Festus been serving in this role five years earlier, the district would already be further along the path of improved governance and service standards.

I encourage our RDC. Thank you for prioritising the well-being of this district.

The commitment you have shown reflects the dedication expected of a true son of the soil.

Be assured that a number of us remain silent supporters. We will continue to uphold your work through our prayers.

May you be protected from those who struggle to interpret the long-term value of these accountability reforms. 

Residents have long endured inadequate access to intended government services because of officials who failed to uphold integrity standards, some of them our own people. This is regrettable.

Many locally recruited staff have not been selected through transparent, merit-based processes. 

As a result, service delivery has suffered, and deserving officers have been denied fair opportunities for advancement. 

I respectfully request the President to grant the RDC additional time in Zombo and to ensure that accountability mechanisms, including the justice system, remain fully operational. 

Kisanja no sleep!! Let us rise and support our RDC in strengthening transparency and accountability so that Zombo can achieve better public service outcomes for all.