The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, has engaged the Executive Committee of District and City Service Commissions in a strategic meeting aimed at strengthening integrity, improving operations, and addressing persistent challenges affecting local government institutions.
Held amid past concerns over corruption and administrative inefficiencies, the meeting reaffirmed the critical role of Service Commissions as independent bodies mandated to ensure transparent recruitment and effective human resource management.
The PS Ben Kumumanya emphasized accountability and patriotism in service, calling on leaders to take a firm stand against corruption.
“Service Commissions must remain firm and independent in executing their mandate. Any form of interference or corruption should be reported immediately,” he said, adding that leaders should “love their country and join the fight against corruption, including placing clear disclaimers on job advertisements and reporting wrongdoing to responsible entities.”
The discussions centered on key operational and governance issues, including office space for the Association of Local Government Service Commissions of Uganda (ALGSCU), facilitation of its activities, accumulated arrears, preparation of zonal meetings and the Annual General Meeting, and the remuneration of Commission members. The meeting also considered the submission of reports on the recruitment of teachers and health workers across the country.
Commissioner Mark Olwenyi, Chairperson of the Association and Tororo District Service Commission, highlighted challenges affecting commissions, the need for structured zonal engagements, and improved remuneration. “Addressing operational challenges, strengthening zonal coordination, and improving the welfare of Commission members are critical to enhancing performance and safeguarding the credibility of Service Commissions,” he noted.
Among the key resolutions, the Permanent Secretary committed to presenting the issue of accumulated arrears to Chief Administrative Officers, engaging the Uganda Local Governments Association to support ALGSCU, and ensuring mandatory subscriptions to the Association are remitted. The Executive Committee was tasked to spearhead the fight against corruption, while the Association will partner with the Inspectorate of Government to reinforce accountability efforts.
The Ministry also announced plans to induct newly elected local government leaders after swearing in to clarify roles and preserve the independence of Service Commissions. Additionally, ongoing efforts to amend the Local Government Act to improve remuneration were reaffirmed, alongside engagements with the Ministry of Finance to review funding allocations.
Stakeholders expressed confidence that these measures will strengthen service delivery by promoting transparency, enhancing independence, and improving human resource capacity within commissions, including the proposed addition of senior human resource officers. Zonal coordination is also expected to support fact finding on corruption cases and ensure appropriate action through established legal channels.
As a follow up, Secretaries to Service Commissions will submit reports on recruitment outcomes, while commissions deepen collaboration with oversight institutions. The Executive Committee reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the agreed actions to curb corruption and restore public trust in local government systems.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to elevating key issues affecting Service Commissions to policy and Cabinet level to fast track sustainable reforms and improve service delivery across Uganda.
Held amid past concerns over corruption and administrative inefficiencies, the meeting reaffirmed the critical role of Service Commissions as independent bodies mandated to ensure transparent recruitment and effective human resource management.
The PS Ben Kumumanya emphasized accountability and patriotism in service, calling on leaders to take a firm stand against corruption.
“Service Commissions must remain firm and independent in executing their mandate. Any form of interference or corruption should be reported immediately,” he said, adding that leaders should “love their country and join the fight against corruption, including placing clear disclaimers on job advertisements and reporting wrongdoing to responsible entities.”
The discussions centered on key operational and governance issues, including office space for the Association of Local Government Service Commissions of Uganda (ALGSCU), facilitation of its activities, accumulated arrears, preparation of zonal meetings and the Annual General Meeting, and the remuneration of Commission members. The meeting also considered the submission of reports on the recruitment of teachers and health workers across the country.
Commissioner Mark Olwenyi, Chairperson of the Association and Tororo District Service Commission, highlighted challenges affecting commissions, the need for structured zonal engagements, and improved remuneration. “Addressing operational challenges, strengthening zonal coordination, and improving the welfare of Commission members are critical to enhancing performance and safeguarding the credibility of Service Commissions,” he noted.
Among the key resolutions, the Permanent Secretary committed to presenting the issue of accumulated arrears to Chief Administrative Officers, engaging the Uganda Local Governments Association to support ALGSCU, and ensuring mandatory subscriptions to the Association are remitted. The Executive Committee was tasked to spearhead the fight against corruption, while the Association will partner with the Inspectorate of Government to reinforce accountability efforts.
The Ministry also announced plans to induct newly elected local government leaders after swearing in to clarify roles and preserve the independence of Service Commissions. Additionally, ongoing efforts to amend the Local Government Act to improve remuneration were reaffirmed, alongside engagements with the Ministry of Finance to review funding allocations.
Stakeholders expressed confidence that these measures will strengthen service delivery by promoting transparency, enhancing independence, and improving human resource capacity within commissions, including the proposed addition of senior human resource officers. Zonal coordination is also expected to support fact finding on corruption cases and ensure appropriate action through established legal channels.
As a follow up, Secretaries to Service Commissions will submit reports on recruitment outcomes, while commissions deepen collaboration with oversight institutions. The Executive Committee reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the agreed actions to curb corruption and restore public trust in local government systems.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to elevating key issues affecting Service Commissions to policy and Cabinet level to fast track sustainable reforms and improve service delivery across Uganda.
