The Health Department within a District Local Government in Uganda is a critical pillar for ensuring the well-being and productivity of the district's population. Led by the District Health Officer (DHO), this department is responsible for the planning, management, and coordination of all health services, both public and private, within the district. Operating within the decentralized framework of Uganda's health system, the department is tasked with implementing national health policies and the Uganda National Minimum Health Care Package (UNMHCP) at the local level.

The core mandate of the Health Department is to promote, prevent, cure, rehabilitate, and palliate diseases, ultimately aiming for a healthy and productive population that contributes to socio-economic growth. It serves as the primary technical arm of the Ministry of Health at the district level, ensuring that health standards are maintained and services are accessible and equitable for all residents, including vulnerable populations.   

Key functions of the Health Department include:

• Strategic Planning and Budgeting: Developing comprehensive district health plans and annual budgets that align with national health priorities and local needs, and mobilizing resources for health service delivery and infrastructure development.
• Service Delivery Oversight: Managing and coordinating the entire network of health facilities within the district, from Health Centre IIs (parish level) up to Health Centre IVs (county level/health sub-districts) and potentially general hospitals, ensuring effective and efficient service provision. This includes outpatient care, maternal and child health services (antenatal care, deliveries, immunizations), communicable and non-communicable disease control, and basic diagnostic services.
• Disease Surveillance and Control: Implementing robust disease surveillance systems to monitor public health threats, investigate outbreaks, and initiate timely interventions for prevention and control of infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, TB, and other prevalent conditions.   
• Human Resources for Health: Managing the district health workforce, including recruitment, deployment, performance management, capacity building, and ensuring staff welfare for all health workers.
• Drug and Supply Chain Management: Overseeing the procurement, storage, and distribution of essential medicines, vaccines, medical equipment, and other supplies to all health units within the district, ensuring their availability and proper utilization.   
• Health Information Management System (HMIS): Collecting, compiling, analyzing, and disseminating routine health data to inform decision-making, monitor program performance, and report to higher levels of government and stakeholders.
• Community Health Promotion: Leading public health campaigns, health education initiatives, and community engagement programs to promote healthy behaviors, sanitation, and hygiene, and to encourage community participation in local health service planning and implementation (e.g., through Village Health Teams - VHTs).   
• Quality Assurance and Standards: Providing technical guidance and support supervision to health centers, enforcing professional and service codes of conduct and ethics, and ensuring adherence to national health service delivery standards.
• Coordination with Stakeholders: Liaising with the Ministry of Health, other government departments, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), faith-based organizations, and private health providers to foster partnerships and harmonize health interventions.   

The Health Department typically comprises various units or sections such as Public Health, Clinical Services, Planning and Biostatistics, Environmental Health, and Health Promotion, all working collaboratively under the guidance of the DHO to improve the overall health outcomes of the district.

The Finance Department is the fiscal engine of a District Local Government in Uganda, playing a critical role in ensuring financial sustainability, accountability, and the prudent management of public funds. Headed by the Chief Finance Officer (CFO), the department is responsible for all financial transactions, budgeting, revenue mobilization, and financial reporting in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act, the Local Governments Act, and other relevant financial regulations and guidelines.

Its overarching objective is to achieve sound financial management and accountability, thereby supporting the district's capacity to deliver essential services to its populace. The department works to ensure transparency and efficiency in all financial operations, from revenue collection to expenditure and asset management.

Key functions of the Finance Department include:

• Budgeting and Financial Planning: Preparing and consolidating the district's annual budget and work plans, ensuring alignment with national development plans and local priorities. This involves coordinating with all other departments to develop realistic and effective financial projections.
• Revenue Mobilization and Collection: Identifying and expanding the local revenue base, overseeing the collection of taxes, fees, levies, and other charges due to the council, and ensuring prompt deposit of collected funds.
• Expenditure Management: Managing and controlling all district expenditures, ensuring they are lawful, properly authorized, and align with the approved budget. This involves processing payments to staff, councillors, contractors, and other beneficiaries.
• Financial Accounting and Reporting: Maintaining comprehensive and accurate books of accounts, preparing regular financial statements (monthly, quarterly, and annual), and generating reports for internal review, the District Council, the Auditor General, and relevant central government ministries. This includes adherence to approved accounting systems and standards.
• Asset Management: Overseeing the proper acquisition, maintenance, and disposal of all district assets, including buildings, vehicles, office equipment, and other properties.
• Financial Advisory Services: Providing expert financial advice to the District Council, the District Executive Committee, and other departments on all fiscal matters, including investment decisions, financial policies, and compliance issues.
• Audit Coordination: Facilitating both internal and external audits, providing all necessary financial records and information, and ensuring that audit queries are addressed and recommendations implemented.
• Grants Management: Administering and accounting for funds received from the Central Government (unconditional, conditional, and equalization grants) and development partners, ensuring their utilization for intended purposes.

The Finance Department typically has sub-departments or sections such as Revenue, Expenditure, Budget, Accounts, and Administration, all working collaboratively under the CFO to uphold fiscal discipline and support the district's development agenda.

The Administration Department in a District Local Government in Uganda serves as the central coordinating and support arm for all district operations. Headed by the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO), and working closely under the overall guidance of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), this department is crucial for ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the entire district administration in Kampala and across other districts. It is responsible for providing strategic direction, oversight, and technical guidance on a wide range of administrative matters.

The department plays a pivotal role in human resource management, including recruitment, deployment, performance management, staff welfare, and adherence to public service standing orders for all district employees. It also oversees general office administration, records management, and the proper utilization and maintenance of district assets. Furthermore, the Administration Department is key in facilitating effective communication and coordination between various departments within the district, as well as with other levels of government (including the Central Government and other Local Governments in Uganda) and external stakeholders. It is often the first point of contact for citizens and other external entities interacting with the district administration.

Its sub-departments or key functions typically include:

• Human Resources Management: Focusing on personnel management, staff development, training, payroll administration, pension management, and ensuring compliance with public service regulations.
• Records and Information Management: Responsible for maintaining official documents, archives, information flow, and ensuring data security and accessibility.
• General Administration and Logistics: Overseeing office supplies, transport management, maintenance of premises, security, and general operational support for all district functions.
• Secretariat Services: Providing administrative support to the District Executive Committee, the Chief Administrative Officer's office, and often coordinating with the Clerk to Council for District Council matters.
• Public Relations and Communication: Managing external communications, public inquiries, and promoting a positive image of the district local government.

In essence, the Administration Department, under the leadership of the DCAO, acts as the backbone of the district local government, ensuring that all other departments have the necessary administrative framework, human capital, and operational support to effectively deliver services and achieve the district's development objectives in line with national priorities.

The Education Department in a District Local Government in Uganda is a cornerstone of human development, mandated to oversee and facilitate the provision of quality education and sports services across the district. Headed by the District Education Officer (DEO), the department operates under the guidance of national education policies and the Decentralization framework outlined in the Local Governments Act.

Its primary role is to implement and monitor education laws, policies, and programs, ensuring that all schools and educational institutions within the district adhere to national standards. This includes the management of Universal Primary Education (UPE) and Universal Secondary Education (USE) initiatives, aiming to increase access, equity, and relevance of education for all children, including those with special needs.

Currently, the district boosts of 61 government-aided primary schools and seven government-aided secondary schools. The secondary schools are; Kiyombya Seed school, Buheesi Secondary School, Mother Care Secondary School, Rubona Secondary School, Kateebwa High, Rwimi Secondary School and Kibiito Secondary School. 

Key responsibilities of the Education Department include:

• Policy Implementation and Coordination: Ensuring effective translation of national education policies and plans into actionable strategies at the district level.
• School Inspection and Supervision: Conducting regular inspections of pre-primary, primary, secondary, and vocational institutions to monitor curriculum implementation, teaching standards, and overall school performance. This also includes providing technical support and guidance to head teachers and school management committees.
• Teacher Management: Overseeing the welfare, performance, and professional development of teachers, including organizing training programs and maintaining accurate personnel data.
• Resource Mobilization and Management: Planning and budgeting for education service delivery, mobilizing resources, and ensuring efficient and accountable utilization of funds and materials for school infrastructure, learning materials, and other educational needs.
• Data Collection and Reporting: Collecting, managing, and analyzing school data to inform decision-making, identify areas for improvement, and prepare periodic reports for higher authorities.
• Promotion of Co-curricular Activities: Coordinating and promoting sports, music, dance, and drama programs within educational institutions.
• Community Engagement: Mobilizing communities and stakeholders to actively participate in school programs and support educational initiatives.
• Special Needs Education (SNE): Identifying and enrolling children with special educational needs, training teachers, and supporting inclusive education practices.

The Education Department is typically structured into sub-departments such as Administration, Inspectorate, and Special Needs Education, each contributing to the holistic development and oversight of the education sector in the district. Through these functions, the department strives to foster a literate, skilled, and empowered community capable of contributing to national development.

Number of Private Institutions

• Pre-primary schools – 77
• Primary schools – 96
• Secondary schools- 20

Number of Technical Schools

• Kisomoro Technical Institute
• Katugunda Skills Development Centre

Enrollment 

• Enrollment in government-aided primary schools 35,294
• Enrollment government-aided Secondary schools – 5,861

Key Highlights 

• Construction of Katugunda Seed School at Shs 3,761,088,939. Works at roofing stage.
• Construction of Nsuura Seed School in Kyamukube Town Council at Shs 2,503,994,700.The site was handed over and foundation works are in progress.
• Construction of a one Classroom Block at Kaburaisoke Primary School including the supply of 20 desks at Shs 55,212,200 under Schools Facilities Grant.
• Construction of 3 stance latrine with urinal at Nyamba B Primary School in Bukara Sub County. This was completed and commissioned under SFG.
• Renovated a 2-classroom block at Kanyamukale Primary School, Kakooga Primary School and Rwimi Primary School at Shs 32,219,224. This was under Education Maintenance grant. 
• Construction of 3 stance VIP latrines at Nyabwina Primary School in Rwimi Town Council and Nyamba B Primary School in Bukara Sub County at Shs 33,996,390.
• Renovation of Kibiito Primary School, St. John’s Yerya Primary School and Mujunju Primary School at Shs 37,469,720 under Education Maintenance Grant.
• Improvement works on a 2 classroom block in Bihondo Primary School (Kyamukube TC) and a 1 classroom block in Bulyambaghu Primary School (Bukara SC) at Shs 21,978,680.
• St John’s SS Rwimi has been taken over by Government. The project is estimated to cost about 6 billion under Uganda Secondary School Expansion Program (USSEP)
• Installation of Electricity and correction of defects at Kiyombya Seed Secondary School