Extension workers warned over poor service delivery

20 October 2026, 11:03 pm

By Geoffrey Okwong

Leaders in Pader District have challenged agricultural and veterinary extension workers to improve service delivery and increase their presence in communities following complaints about limited field visibility and gaps in the implementation of government agricultural programmes.

The concerns were raised recently during a meeting between district leaders and production department officials at the community boardroom in Pader District, where participants discussed challenges affecting agricultural extension services and possible solutions.

Patrick Okello, the Pader District Vice Chairperson LC V, said the meeting provided an opportunity for leaders and technical staff to openly discuss the challenges and identify ways to improve service delivery.

In his closing remarks, Okello said the discussions should lead to tangible improvements in the performance of extension workers rather than end with verbal commitments.

He clarified that the concerns raised were not intended to target individual officers but to encourage accountability and strengthen the production department.

Okello acknowledged concerns about staff shortages and work overload, saying the district needed to establish the extent of the challenges and assess how additional recruitment could improve service delivery.

He said the production department should be prioritised for recruitment, while urging existing officers to demonstrate their commitment to their responsibilities.

Esther Lalam, the Secretary for Production in Pader District Local Government and female councillor representing Lunyiri Sub-county, also called on extension workers assigned to multiple sub-counties to develop work schedules that would ensure their presence in the areas they serve.

Lalam said some community members had complained that they rarely saw extension workers in their sub-counties, urging the officers to coordinate their schedules so farmers could access technical support.

She further called on technical staff to work closely with elected leaders at village, parish, sub-county and district levels to improve communication and service delivery.

Meanwhile, Andrew Oketayot, an extension worker in charge of Pader Town Council and Paiula Sub-county, attributed some of the challenges to staff shortages, inadequate facilitation and motorcycles in poor condition.

Oketayot explained that some officers had been assigned responsibility for more than one administrative area, making it difficult to attend meetings, participate in training activities and maintain regular contact with farmers.

He also outlined progress and challenges under the Uganda Climate Smart Agriculture Transformation Project, including the validation of farmer groups and difficulties some groups faced in meeting the required co-funding contribution.

The discussions also covered concerns about livestock inspection charges, vaccination costs and the implementation of government agricultural programmes.

District leaders said the issues raised would inform further engagement with the technical team as they seek to improve agricultural and veterinary services across Pader District.

The meeting was aimed at strengthening cooperation between political leaders and technical staff to address service delivery gaps and improve support to farmers and livestock keepers.