Lands Ministry Releases 150 Contract Staff in Restructuring Drive

The Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development has terminated contracts for more than 150 employees amid a major overhaul aligned with the government’s Rationalisation of Government Agencies and Public Expenditure (RAPEX) initiative.

Insiders report widespread anxiety, frustration, and emotional strain among the workers, whose fixed-term contracts expired without renewal. Sources suggest additional layoffs may occur as the process continues.

Ministry spokesperson Denis Obbo clarified that the staff were not fired but are being integrated as permanent and pensionable employees under the public service framework. He noted that many roles supported donor-funded projects that have now ended, leaving the government unable to sustain them.

A February internal memo from Permanent Secretary Dorcus Okalany extended expired contracts only until March 2026 before relieving staff of duties. The ministry has absorbed personnel from the former National Roads Authority and recent graduate recruits.

Contract positions, often offering higher pay than standard government roles, were common for project work. The restructuring addresses long-standing issues like fragmented laws and overlapping mandates in land management, housing, and urban development.

A 2017 Public Service report recommended a streamlined structure with 830 approved positions and a Shs8.3 billion annual wage bill. Obbo emphasised priority reabsorption for ex-contract staff in upcoming zonal office recruitments to retain skills and ensure smooth operations.

This shakeup mirrors broader government efforts to merge or scrap agencies for efficiency.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)