PS Ben Kumumanya Calls for Accountability, Independence in Service Commissions

The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, has convened a high-level engagement with the Executive Committee of District and City Service Commissions, in a renewed push to strengthen integrity, enhance operational efficiency, and address long-standing challenges within local government institutions.

The strategic meeting brought together key stakeholders at a time when concerns over corruption and administrative inefficiencies continue to undermine service delivery across various districts and cities. It reaffirmed the central role of Service Commissions as independent entities mandated to oversee transparent recruitment processes and ensure effective human resource management within local governments.

In his address, Kumumanya underscored the importance of accountability, patriotism, and ethical leadership, urging Commission members to uphold the highest standards of integrity in executing their duties.

“Service Commissions must remain firm and independent in executing their mandate. Any form of interference or corruption should be reported immediately,” he stated.

He further called on leaders to demonstrate love for country by actively participating in anti-corruption efforts, including instituting clear disclaimers in job advertisements and promptly reporting malpractice to relevant authorities.

A key highlight of the meeting was the presentation and review of reports on the ongoing recruitment of teachers and health workers across the country—an exercise seen as critical to strengthening frontline service delivery in education and healthcare.

The Chairperson of the Association of Local Government Service Commissions of Uganda (ALGSCU) and head of the Tororo District Service Commission, Mark Olwenyi, outlined a number of operational challenges affecting commissions. He emphasized the need for structured zonal engagements, improved coordination, and enhanced remuneration for Commission members.

“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,” Olwenyi noted.

In response, Kumumanya committed to elevating key concerns raised during the meeting to higher administrative and policy platforms. Among the resolutions reached was a pledge to present the issue of accumulated arrears to Chief Administrative Officers, as well as to engage the Uganda Local Governments Association to provide institutional support to ALGSCU.

Additionally, measures will be taken to ensure that mandatory subscriptions to the Association are consistently remitted.

The Executive Committee was tasked with taking a frontline role in combating corruption within Service Commissions, while the Association is expected to strengthen collaboration with the Inspectorate of Government to reinforce accountability and enforcement mechanisms.

The Ministry also announced plans to conduct induction programs for newly elected local government leaders following their swearing-in. These sessions are intended to clarify roles, manage expectations, and safeguard the independence of Service Commissions from undue political or administrative interference.

Further reforms are underway, including proposed amendments to the Local Government Act aimed at improving remuneration and working conditions for Commission members. The Ministry will also engage the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to review current funding allocations, with the goal of enhancing operational capacity across districts and cities.

Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that the agreed measures will significantly improve service delivery outcomes by promoting transparency, reinforcing institutional independence, and strengthening human resource capacity. Notably, proposals to incorporate senior human resource officers into Commission structures are expected to professionalize operations and improve oversight.

Zonal coordination mechanisms are also set to play a crucial role in facilitating fact-finding missions on corruption allegations, ensuring that cases are investigated thoroughly and addressed through established legal frameworks.

As part of the follow-up actions, Secretaries to Service Commissions will submit detailed reports on recruitment outcomes, while collaboration with oversight bodies will be intensified. The Executive Committee reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the agreed reforms and restoring public confidence in local government systems.

The Ministry of Local Government reiterated its resolve to elevate critical issues affecting Service Commissions to Cabinet level, signaling a sustained commitment to driving policy reforms that will strengthen governance, enhance accountability, and improve service delivery across Uganda.