Minister Magyezi Urges Local Governments to Address Rising Vacancy Rates
Local Government Minister Rafael Magyezi has called on local governments to urgently address the issue of growing vacant positions or face potential penalties. He expressed concern that prolonged vacancies, especially in key roles, are adversely affecting service delivery and damaging the public’s perception of local government effectiveness.
Magyezi’s remarks were delivered by State Minister for Local Government Rusoke Businge during a meeting of district service commission members held at the UMA Conference Hall in Kampala on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. The event was attended by over 100 participants representing 146 districts and was chaired by Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya.
In his speech, Magyezi highlighted the negative impact of having critical staff positions, such as heads of departments and sections, filled only on an acting basis. He noted that these temporary arrangements hinder the proper functioning of local government sub-programs. The minister also pointed out that some local governments have failed to advertise available positions, even when budget allocations for recruitment are in place. This inefficiency has led to funds being returned to the Consolidated Fund.
Magyezi also addressed the issue of mismanagement and the delay in resolving disciplinary cases involving government employees. He noted that some officers face prolonged interdiction, which undermines the purpose of disciplinary actions. Cases where officers are arrested or charged but face delays in disciplinary processes were also criticized.
He warned that unresolved issues and inefficiencies could further exacerbate existing service delivery problems and undermine the gains of Uganda’s Decentralization policy, which began in 1992. The policy aimed to enhance governance, improve public service delivery, and ensure greater citizen participation and democratic control by transferring real power to local governments and reducing the central government’s workload.
Govt Urged to Increase Pay for District Service Commissions to Combat Corruption
The Government has been advised to increase the remuneration for District Service Commissions (DSCs) to enhance their performance and bolster efforts to fight corruption. Winnie Kabogoza-Musoke, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, emphasized that the current pay does not reflect the work required and that many members receive only allowances for their commission duties.
Kabogoza-Musoke made these remarks during a meeting of DSC members at the UMA Conference Hall in Kampala on July 24, 2024. The event was attended by over 100 participants from 146 districts and was chaired by Local Government State Minister Rusoke Businge and Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya.
The Public Service Commission Chairperson highlighted that some DSC members receive a retainer fee of 200,000 Ugandan Shillings, but this amount is sometimes delayed. She noted that years ago, the Government approved a retainer of 400,000 Shillings, but it has not yet been implemented. Kabogoza-Musoke urged the Government to address this issue as a priority, suggesting that better compensation could help reduce corruption within the commissions.
A survey conducted across several districts revealed significant corruption, particularly in recruitment processes. Kabogoza-Musoke reported that jobs for scientists faced the highest levels of graft, with bribes reaching millions of Shillings. She explained that finding perpetrators has been challenging because victims are often reluctant to come forward.
Additionally, the survey uncovered instances where qualified candidates were unfairly treated by Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs). In some cases, DSC minutes were altered or replaced with forged documents to favor different applicants, excluding those initially approved by the commissions.
Kabogoza-Musoke emphasized that DSCs are responsible for the appointment, confirmation, promotion, disciplining, and removal of employees, excluding top officials like the CAO and Town Clerk, who are appointed by the Public Service Commission.
