Written By | Joshua Nahamya
Ben Kumumanya, PS Ministry of Local Government
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KAMPALA
The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, has held a strategic meeting with the Executive Committee of District and City Service Commissions aimed at strengthening integrity, streamlining operations, and addressing persistent administrative challenges.
The meeting comes amid growing public concern over corruption and inefficiencies in local government systems. It reaffirmed the role of Service Commissions as independent bodies mandated to ensure transparent recruitment and effective human resource management.
During the engagement, Kumumanya emphasised accountability and patriotism, urging commission members to take a firm stand against malpractice.
“Service Commissions must remain firm and independent in executing their mandate. Any form of interference or corruption should be reported immediately,” Kumumanya said.
He further called on leaders to prioritise national interest and actively participate in the fight against corruption, including placing clear disclaimers on job advertisements and reporting irregularities to the relevant authorities.
Key issues discussed included the lack of office space for the Association of Local Government Service Commissions of Uganda (ALGSCU), accumulated arrears, and concerns over the remuneration of commission members. The meeting also reviewed progress reports on the nationwide recruitment of teachers and health workers.
Commissioner Mark Olwenyi, Chairperson of the Association and head of the Tororo District Service Commission, highlighted systemic challenges affecting the commissions.
“Addressing operational challenges, strengthening zonal coordination, and improving the welfare of commission members are critical to enhancing performance and safeguarding credibility,” Olwenyi said.
In response, Kumumanya committed to presenting the issue of accumulated arrears to Chief Administrative Officers and engaging the Uganda Local Governments Association to ensure that mandatory subscriptions to ALGSCU are remitted.
A key resolution from the meeting was the establishment of a partnership between the Association and the Inspectorate of Government to strengthen accountability mechanisms.
To safeguard the independence of Service Commissions, the Ministry also announced plans to induct newly elected local government leaders immediately after swearing-in. The initiative aims to clarify roles and prevent political interference in technical recruitment processes.
Additionally, ongoing efforts to amend the Local Government Act to improve remuneration for commission members were reaffirmed, alongside planned engagements with the Ministry of Finance to review funding allocations.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that these interventions—including the proposed deployment of senior human resource officers—will enhance service delivery. Improved zonal coordination is also expected to support more effective investigations into corruption cases and ensure appropriate legal action is taken.
As a follow-up, Secretaries to Service Commissions have been directed to submit detailed reports on recruitment outcomes. The Ministry reiterated its commitment to elevating these matters to Cabinet level to accelerate sustainable reforms in Uganda’s local government system.
Torch Media Africa
