By Alfred Opio
Health assistants across Pallisa District are facing mounting criticism from district authorities over the alleged misuse of government-issued tablets, raising concerns about accountability and declining service delivery.
The tablets, which were distributed to support data collection for the district water office, are reportedly being used for social media, gaming, and other non-work-related activities instead of their intended purpose.
Pallisa Assistant District Health Officer, Charles Dickens Okolimong, strongly condemned the trend, noting that the devices were specifically meant to improve timely data collection and reporting on water sources across the district.
❝ “You were given those tablets for collecting data and submitting it on time to the district water office. Yet very few of you are actually doing the work.” ❞
— Charles Dickens Okolimong
Okolimong questioned whether the district should withdraw the tablets from current users and reassign them to more committed personnel, emphasizing that the devices were procured at a significant cost and should not be misused.
Meanwhile, Pallisa Assistant District Water Officer Francis Okurut revealed that the district’s performance in water data reporting has sharply declined due to poor utilization of the tablets.
❝ “Out of the 21 sub-counties, only six health assistants actively collected and submitted data. The rest are simply keeping the tablets and using them for other activities.” ❞
— Francis Okurut
He noted that Pallisa scored below 80 percent in last year’s performance assessment, largely due to gaps in data submission. Okurut added that despite repeated training opportunities, many health assistants have not sought technical support and instead resort to complaints on social media.
As a result, he directed that any health assistant unable to effectively use the devices should return them for reassignment.
However, health assistants have defended themselves, citing technical and logistical challenges affecting the use of the tablets.
James Otim, who serves Kameke and Oboliiso sub-counties, said poor battery performance limits his ability to collect data in the field.
❝ “The tablet consumes power very fast. By the time I reach the field and start working, it goes off after recording just one water source.” ❞
— James Otim
He also pointed out that the installed data collection application often fails to save information, making it difficult to complete reports.
Similarly, Jude Okoyo from Akisim sub-county reported charging issues with his device and suggested that authorities allow health assistants to install the data collection application on their personal smartphones.
The situation has exposed a gap between resource allocation and effective utilization, with officials calling for accountability while users demand better technical support and facilitation.
As Pallisa District works to improve water data management, stakeholders agree that a balanced approach—combining proper oversight, training, and improved technology—will be essential to ensure that the investment in digital tools delivers meaningful results for communities.
