By John Kusolo.
Community Development Officers (CDOs) under the Association of Uganda National Union of Community Development Officers recently handed a memorandum to the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, highlighting various issues affecting their effective operation in a national meeting held at national theatre. Geoffrey Akena, the interim Chairperson of the Association, emphasized limited funding as a major challenge faced by the CDO department throughout the country. They requested the ministry to increase funding support to enable them to fulfill their mandates.
Another concern raised by Akena was the need for professional growth. He expressed the desire for more engagement with the Ministry of Public Service to address the job structure stagnations and facilitate promotions to higher levels within the CDO department.
Additionally, the CDOs highlighted their significant involvement in implementing the Parish Development Model (PDM). They claimed to be responsible for over 60% of the tasks required under the PDM, such as mobilization, trainings, and profiling of enterprise groups. However, they felt that the financial support received for these activities was insufficient.
They requested the ministry to investigate this issue and provide more support to the Department of Community-Based Services. Akena emphasized the unique role CDOs play in community mobilization, which requires professional guidance and technical expertise. They aimed to build capacity and encourage community members to embrace government programs.
Akena stressed the need for further engagement on mobilization techniques to ensure effective delivery of various programs across the country.
Tumwesigye Everest, the Commissioner of Community Development at the Ministry, acknowledged the formation of the National CDO Association as a significant milestone. He explained that the CDO department comprises labor officers, probation and social welfare officers, and community development officers at various levels.
While the ministry is responsible for policy formulation and program design, the implementation is carried out by the CDOs. Tumwesigye highlighted the challenges faced by community development officers, particularly in terms of budget allocation. Community development is a "software" function that focuses on changing mindsets and gaining public support for government programs.
However, it is difficult to quantify tangible outputs, which often leads to inadequate resources. Tumwesigye expressed the importance of the CDO association in addressing these challenges and advocating for the interests of the officers.
Peace Mutuuzo, the Minister of State for Gender and Culture, revealed that the Ministry had already appealed to the government to consolidate scattered resources related to community development. She presented the matter to the Cabinet and emphasized the need to harmonize funding and responsibilities under the Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development.
Mutuuzo clarified the role of CDOs in empowering communities and protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals. She emphasized that CDOs are essential for promoting socio-economic transformation and bridging the gap to middle-income status. She also mentioned the allocation of funds through the Parish Development Model, targeting vulnerable groups.
Regarding professional development, Mutuuzo assured the CDOs that they would go through the cadre line for career advancement, despite a previous circular from the Ministry of Public Service suggesting otherwise. In conclusion, the community development officers in Uganda are facing challenges related to limited funding, professional growth, and the implementation of the Parish Development Model.
The formation of the National CDO Association aims to address these issues and advocate for increased support and resources from relevant government ministries and agencies. The Ministry of Gender, Labour, and Social Development, along with other government entities, has shown a willingness to engage with the CDOs and address their concerns.