By Woo Chris
Oyam, Uganda – Minakulu Sub-county officials have been forced to conduct their duties outdoors after their offices were locked due to outstanding rent arrears amounting to 7.2 million shillings.
Local Council III Chairperson Simon Ayela expressed shock over the closure, stating that there was no prior communication from the Senior Assistant Secretary (SAS) about the issue.
The sudden shutdown has severely disrupted service delivery, affecting court proceedings and parish development model activities, leaving officials to work under trees and on verandas.
Ayela also raised concerns about rampant absenteeism among civil servants, particularly the SAS and the sub-accountant, whose absence has further complicated the situation.
Sub-county Speaker Francis Omara questioned how such a financial crisis could arise despite Minakulu’s strong local revenue collection.
He has called for an emergency meeting to address both the office closure and the growing issue of absenteeism.
He noted that the SAS’s infrequent visits to the office have left councilors frustrated.
Denis Odoc, Secretary to the Local Council I Chairperson of Ebur village, highlighted the impact of the office closure on court processes and the parish development model, as essential documents and stationery remain inaccessible.
When contacted for a comment, SAS Francis Eyoko declined to speak on the matter and instead directed inquiries to Ayela.
Reports indicate that the office closure was due to unpaid monthly rent of 600,000 shillings, which had accumulated over a year.
Local leaders and residents are demanding swift intervention to restore normal operations and prevent further disruptions to essential services.