Titled the “Annual State of Equality Opportunities in Uganda Financial Year 2022/23,” the study shed light on the regional distribution of government positions in Uganda.

The report, cited by The Daily Monitor newspaper, indicates that the Western Region holds a significant share of government roles, with Western Uganda accounting for 40 per cent of top positions in government agencies. Specifically, when it comes to CEO positions in government agencies, Western Uganda takes the lead with an unparalleled 47 per cent.

According to the report, the Central Region follows with 26 per cent of government positions, the Eastern Region with 20 per cent, and the Northern Region with 12 per cent.

The report’s categorization of positions aligns with government employment guidelines, with top-tier roles including managing directors and deputies, directors, commissioners, and assistant commissioners.

In response to the findings, the report recommends the development of a policy to guide the recruitment process, emphasizing “regional balance, population, academic qualification, among other parameters.” This approach aims to create a more equitable distribution of government positions.

The study gathered data from 30 sampled government agencies, revealing that the Western Region also has the highest number of public service employees, representing 36 per cent of the workforce. The Central Region comes in second place with 24 per cent.

The report attributes the strong performance of these regions to their large and educated populations, as well as their proximity to information and access to the national data backbone.

Specifically, at the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA), the Buganda Sub-region leads with 31 per cent of employees, totalling 1,003 individuals.

Ankole Sub-region follows with 18 percent and 571 employees.

In contrast, Karamoja has the lowest representation, with only 31 employees at the lowest level, and no representation at the middle and top levels. Similarly, sub-regions like Bugisu, Sebei, Tooro, and West Nile have no top-level representation within the authority.

The report’s findings have not been without controversy, with politicians and civil society groups expressing concerns about regional imbalances.

Waiswa Mufumbiro, the deputy spokesperson for the National Unity Platform (NUP), highlighted the unequal distribution of resources in Uganda, emphasizing the need to combat tribalism, nepotism, and favouritism.

Mr. Ofwono Opondo, the executive director of the government’s Media Centre, acknowledged the findings but stressed the importance of technical and professional qualifications for top government positions. He emphasized the need for public servants to deliver equitable services to all Ugandans, regardless of their regional origin.

The report has ignited a broader conversation about regional representation and the need for balanced opportunities and resources in Uganda’s public sector.