Adonia Atuheire | Tayari News
KISORO- The Kisoro District Council has suspended the District Service Commission (DSC) from conducting any further operations following serious allegations of corruption, bribery, and irregularities in the recruitment process.
The suspension follows recommendations from the council’s Works Committee, which urged the district council to halt all DSC activities until investigations into the allegations are completed.
While presenting the committee report before the full council, Philip Ntacyotugira, the district male elderly representative and former Chairperson of the Kisoro DSC, said the commission is facing widespread public criticism over alleged bribery during recruitment exercises.
Ntacyotugira accused the DSC of advertising fewer positions than the actual number of people eventually recruited.
“There is a lot of public concern about corruption in the recruitment process. Many people claim they were asked to pay huge sums of money to secure jobs,” Ntacyotugira said.
He cited several examples, saying that for nurses, only 10 vacancies were advertised but 22 people were recruited, while for midwives, 8 vacancies were advertised but 16 were eventually hired.
He further alleged that one assistant town clerk position resulted in six recruitments, one advertised medical doctor position produced four recruits, and although 105 teaching vacancies were advertised, 174 teachers were recruited.
Ntacyotugira also claimed that some applicants reportedly paid between 10 and 15 million shillings to secure employment opportunities in the district.
Another councilor only identified as Juliet, the female councilor representing Nyanamo Town Council and Bukimbiri Sub-county, raised concerns over what she described as gender imbalance in the recruitment process.
“Most of the people recruited are women. Some are reportedly getting financial support from businessmen to pay bribes while many qualified young men who cannot afford the money are left out,”
Rukara Godffrey, the male councilor representing Nyakabande Sub-county, expressed concern over growing corruption tendencies within the commission.
“We were elected to represent our people, but now residents are complaining about unfair recruitment processes and corruption,” Rukara said.
He cited the case of Agaba Witness, who has sued the district seeking 200 million shillings in damages after allegedly not being invited for interviews despite applying for a position.
Bishubeho Louise, the male councilor for Kirundo Sub-county, claimed that some DSC members allegedly lack the qualifications required for their offices and were appointed through political influence.
“Some members of the commission are there because of politics and not merit, which affects the credibility of the recruitment process,” Louise claimed.
The District Vice Chairperson, Nambajimana Alex, accused the DSC of nepotism and bribery and further implicated the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), John Nyakahuma, alleging collusion in the irregular recruitment practices.
During the council session, Nambajimana was granted permission by the Speaker to play an audio recording allegedly exposing DSC officials demanding bribes from applicants.
“There is clear evidence showing how some officials have been soliciting money from desperate job seekers,” Nambajimana alleged.
In his defense, CAO John Nyakahuma denied any involvement in the alleged irregularities, saying that job advertisements are solely managed by the DSC.
“The responsibility of advertising jobs lies entirely with the District Service Commission and not the office of the CAO.”
Nyakahuma added that the law gives the DSC operational independence and advised aggrieved individuals to seek legal redress through the courts. He also confirmed that police investigations into the matter are already underway.
“The law provides protection and independence to the DSC, but those with complaints should seek justice through the courts as investigations continue,” he added.
However, the Speaker of Council, Amos Hakizimana, upheld the council resolution suspending the DSC pending investigations.
He directed the District Chairperson to write to the Inspector General of Government (IGG) requesting a comprehensive audit into the operations of the commission.
“The council has resolved that the DSC be suspended pending investigations, and we expect both the IGG and police to thoroughly investigate the allegations,” Hakizimana ruled.
Lawyers challenge Kisoro DSC suspension
Fresh controversy has emerged surrounding the suspension of the Kisoro District Service Commission (DSC), with legal experts describing the decision by the district council as illegal and unconstitutional.
Nabaasa Rodgers, a lawyer with A Marvin and Company Advocates, argued that the District Service Commission is an independent constitutional body protected from political interference under both the Constitution of Uganda and the Local Governments Act.
According to Counsel Rodgers, Article 200 of the Constitution grants the DSC powers to independently recruit, appoint, and discipline district staff without interference from political leaders.“
“The District Service Commission is an independent body established under the Constitution, and no political authority is supposed to interfere with its operations,” Rodgers said.
He further explained that Section 64 of the Local Governments Act clearly states that the commission should not be directed or controlled by any person or authority while executing its mandate.
Nabaasa maintained that although district councils are responsible for appointing members of the commission, the law only permits their removal under specific grounds such as misconduct, incompetence, or incapacity, and only after consultation with the Public Service Commission.
“The law is very clear. Members of the commission cannot simply be suspended by council resolutions unless the proper legal procedures are followed,” he added.
Counsel Rodgers further alleged that the ongoing conflict stems from attempts by some district leaders to influence the recruitment process by forcing the commission to shortlist certain councilors who allegedly did not qualify for district jobs.
According to him, the commission rejected the alleged pressure, which later resulted in intimidation and hostility from some leaders.
“Some leaders wanted specific individuals shortlisted for jobs even when they did not meet the qualifications, but the commission refused to compromise the process,” Nabaasa alleged.