‘Utilize local workforce’ – Pallisa district engineer to site managers

Pallisa (UG):- The Pallisa District Engineer, Mr Ongwara Micheal, has directed all contractors handling construction projects in schools and health facilities to employ local people for both skilled and unskilled labour.

Mr Ongwara made the pronouncement at Opadoi Primary School in Akisim Sub-county on Thursday afternoon while supervising the construction of a five-line pit latrine allocated to the school.

“Site engineers, ensure all the workers on the sites are indigenous people who should directly and indirectly benefit. You can only source skilled labour when the community lacks it. I also want you to give women opportunities in areas they can work—why should men cook on-site?” he said.

Mr. Ongwara urged all contractors in the district to liaise with local authorities, School Management Committee (SMC) leaders, and school or health center administrators to guide them on employing local workers and sourcing materials.

“At least 20% of the contract value should remain in the benefiting community so that people appreciate what the government is doing for steady progress,” he emphasized.

John Julius Okaki, the district councillor of Akisim Sub-county, thanked Ongwara for being mindful of the community. Okaki noted that in the past, contractors would bring even helpers from outside the area.

“A person awarded a contract from the central government, such as for seed secondary schools, brings their people and denies locals the opportunity,” Okaki said.

Mr. David Tusubira, the site engineer, stated that they are fully implementing the instructions laid down by Engineer Ongwara. “Nine of the 12 people working here are from the local community,” he confirmed.

“We only source materials such as river sand from outside, but all other materials, including bricks, ordinary sand, and cement, are procured locally,” Tusubira said.

Mr Akode John Peter, the head teacher of Opadoi Primary School, lauded the district for allocating a five-line pit latrine for girls, complete with an attached changing room. “This school last year had an enrollment of 1,320 pupils, of which 619 are girls. The existing five stances couldn’t accommodate them adequately.”

Mr. Omutuju Ronald, the Pallisa District Education Officer, visited the school last year during his routine supervision and identified the need for a girls’ pit latrine. “Hygiene, if poorly handled, leads to a high dropout rate among girls. I also call for the proper utilization of the existing latrines,” Mr Omutuju emphasized.

Mrs Ikedit Naume Margaret, the education officer in charge of guidance and counselling, challenged senior women teachers to help young girls manage body changes and understand that menstruation is not a disease.

She noted that in several meetings, she has urged headteachers to ensure that sanitary pads are always in stock and that there are changing uniforms for girls caught off guard by their menstrual cycle.

“My worry is that girls whose periods are not well managed lose four days of class monthly. A girl who starts experiencing periods in Primary Four loses 160 days before completing Primary Leaving Examinations, making boys outperform them,” Mrs Ikedit explained.