Council Secretary

Institutional Management

Dr Felistus M. Shimwanga

Council Secretary
Institutional Management carries out executive functions of the council. Units or sections that report directly to the executive head and not through another directorate are the Public Relations, Procurement, Information, Communication and Technology Section and Internal Auditing Sections.

  The office of the Council Secretary

The office of the Council Secretary serving as the institution’s Principal Officer  assumes the oversight responsibility of the day-to-day operations of the Local Authority and spearheading the delivery of developmental programs within the district.

The Procurement Section

The Procurement Section, as a critical component of the institution, is responsible for overseeing and managing all procurement processes. This section ensures that all purchases of goods and services are conducted per established policies, legislation, and procedures promoting transparency, fairness, and cost-effectiveness. Regular compliance controls are performed to verify adherence to procurement guidelines and to identify areas for improvement. The Procurement Section plays a vital role in supporting the institution’s operations and strategic objectives and in the delivery of the CDF project procurement and delivery.

The Internal Audit

The Internal Audit Section serves as a pivotal mechanism for maintaining operational integrity within the Local Authority. This section is responsible for developing and implementing checks, and controls, conducting risk assessments, and overseeing management procedures both at policy level and operations. Regular audits are carried out to ensure compliance with existing legislation and enhance operational efficiency. The findings from these audits are compiled into comprehensive reports, which are then presented to the executive head of the Local Authority and the Audit Committee for review and recommended action.

The Public Relations Unit

The Public Relations Unit is crucial in managing and disseminating information to the citizens. The unit is responsible for the strategic communication processes that build mutually beneficial relationships with the public as the face and the mouthpiece of the Local Authority.

 

The Public Relations Unit handles various public functions and events for the LA including anticipating, analyzing, and interpreting public opinion, perceptions, and attitudes toward the council. It drafts strategies that use free or paid media, print or electronic to counteract information gaps and conduct sensitizations on council and developmental projects and operations.

 

Responsible for drafting and distributing press releases, planning and executing special public outreach and media relations events, and developing a crisis public relations strategy. It also handles the council’s social media presence and responds to public reviews on social media websites.

 

In essence, the Public Relations Unit is instrumental in maintaining a positive reputation of the council and fostering a strategic relationship with the public, prospective partners, investors, employees, and other stakeholders.

 

The Information, Communication and Technology Unit

The section is responsible for providing support services to the operations of the Local Authority in the area of ICT services to enhance service delivery and optimize operations. Some of the key responsibilities are:

  • Design and Administration of Computerized Systems.
  • Provide Training to staff.
  • Research and Development.

The Legal Services unit

Legal Services Unit is responsible for regulating commerce, safeguarding the Council’s legal interests, and ensuring that all institutional and administrative procedures comply with applicable laws and regulations. It provides comprehensive legal support to promote good governance, facilitate lawful operations, and ensure full compliance with statutory requirements.

Specialized Sections:

  • Litigation Section: Conducts legal research, manages litigation, represents the Council in legal proceedings, and prosecutes offenders.
  • Estates Section: Manages land administration and alienation (processing applications, preparing legal documents, facilitating land allocation).
  • Licensing Section: Processes applications for trading and business licenses, conducts inspections for compliance, and enforces penalties.
  • Contracts Section: Drafts and manages commercial contracts, mous, and agreements related to council operations (construction, supply, sale, lease, employment)
Institution Management

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