My colleagues at work

Head of Finance, CAO, Eve, Judith (first day at work)

In the Philippines, the local government set-up is described as autonomous; in Uganda it is decentralized.  I guess both structures are essentially similar looking at the Local Government Code of both countries.  In Gulu District, the government is run by the politicians,  and civil servants who are referred to as technocrats.

My colleagues (L to R), Susan, Morris and William

The elected political head is called the chairman (equivalent to a mayor).  I work with the technocrats in the Finance Department, and the Head of Finance reports to the Chief Administrative Officer.  The CAO is the chief executive, but his functions are more like

Susan, Lucy, Eve, Pasca and Jane

those of a chief operating officer.  During my early months, I had to read-up on their laws, manuals, geography, history, political and bureaucratic structures.  Ugandans acknowledge that they do not relish reading, so they are quite amazed to see me enjoy reading and asking questions.

Former Chairman (L) who ran for President

As a bit of influence, I loaded electronic copies of their reference materials into their computers.   And now they seem to have acquired the habit that when in doubt............... CLICK THE FILE.  It makes my day.