The Minister of State for Local Government, Hon. Justine Nameere Nsubuga, has urged contractors implementing the Rural Development and Food Security (RUDSEC) Project to prioritise the employment of local residents in the beneficiary districts.

The call was made during the launch of the construction of two Community Access Roads under the RUDSEC Project: Kalongo–Agweng–Barlonyo–Akano–Lwala Road (16.3 km) in Lira District and Alwimac–Awiri–Asalim Road (12.7 km) in Dokolo District.

She directed contractors to recruit local people, especially for regular and unskilled jobs, instead of bringing workers from Kampala or other parts of the country.

The Minister further cautioned contractors against favouritism in recruitment, stressing that employment opportunities should not be reserved for relatives or close associates. She called for a transparent and fair recruitment process that gives deserving members of the beneficiary communities an opportunity to work on the project.

Hon. Nameere noted that prioritising local labour will enhance community ownership of the project, strengthen cooperation during implementation, and ensure that the benefits of the RUDSEC Project extend beyond improved road infrastructure to better livelihoods for the people it is intended to serve.

The RUDSEC project is implemented by the Ministry of Local Government with Funding from Government of Uganda and the Government of Germany through the KFW