GULU CITY, October 17, 2025 – Gulu City is set to benefit from the establishment of a Service Uganda Centre [SUC], a one-stop centre that will house multiple government ministries, departments, and agencies [MDAs] under one roof.
The SUCs initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Service, is part of a broader strategy aimed at bringing services closer to citizens. The reform responds to growing global demand for citizen-centric governance and service efficiency.
According to reports, the Post Office building in Gulu City will be refurbished and equipped to accommodate desk officers from various MDAs. These officers will address frequently asked questions and provide a wide range of public services starting from the next financial year.
Currently, service delivery across Uganda’s public sector is plagued by a range of challenges, including: Complex and inefficient systems; overlapping and duplicated efforts by MDAs and local governments; lack of transparency; Corruption; and long queues at service points among several others. The government views the establishment of Service Uganda Centres as a deliberate intervention to address these persistent issues.
Refurbishment of the Gulu Post Office building to serve as an SUC will be undertaken by the Engineering Brigade of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces [UPDF].
However, the initiative has sparked debate among local leaders. During a consultative meeting with officials from the Ministry of Public Service held on Wednesday at the Gulu City Council, Morris Odong, Councillor for Laroo-Pece North, expressed concern that the SUC could undermine decentralisation and regionalisation efforts.
“What happens to the decentralisation and regionalisation process if all these services are brought under one roof?” he questioned.
In contrast, Gulu City Mayor Alfred Okwonga welcomed the initiative, noting that the centre would improve coordination between local authorities and national ministries.
“The centre will help in coordination with permanent secretaries and ministers. Many people wish to interact with government officials but lack the opportunity. I believe this will also reduce the cost of doing business,” said Okwonga.
He further noted that the initiative would help build public confidence in government services. However, he urged the Ministry not to merely refurbish the old colonial-era structure, but to construct a modern, purpose-built facility. Okwonga also called for public sensitisation to ensure effective use of the centre.
“The idea of a one-stop centre is a good one, but there is need to sensitise the public to ensure it is well utilised,” he added.
Gulu joins a growing list of cities set to benefit from this reform. A similar SUC was established in Hoima City in 2013, while Kampala, Mbarara, and Tororo are expected to have their centres operational in the next financial year.
Reform objectives
The SUC initiative is aligned with several national, regional, and international frameworks, including: The Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs]; the East African Community [EAC] Treaty and protocols; Uganda Vision 2040; and the NRM Manifesto [2016–2021], among others.
Benefits
The government expects several benefits from the reform, including:
- Integrated government services offered under one roof
- Client-focused, simplified, and user-friendly service delivery systems
- Reduced cost of accessing public services [in terms of both time and money]
- Improved coordination among sectors and MDAs
- Increased accessibility, faster response times, and affordable service delivery
- Cross-jurisdictional service provision without compromising institutional mandates
- Increased government revenue through expanded access to services
As Gulu prepares for this transformative change, stakeholders emphasise the need for proper implementation, adequate infrastructure, and public awareness to ensure the success of the Service Uganda Centre model.
https://thecooperator.news/boosting-service-delivery-local-governments-to-receive-increased-funding/
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