MBARARA, UGANDA –-The Mbarara City Council has unanimously approved five new members to the City Service Commission, appointing retired High Court judge Asaph Ruhinda Ntengye as chairperson for a four-year term.
The new commission replaces the previous team that was disbanded following a corruption scandal that disrupted city recruitment processes.
The approved members include former Mbarara District chairperson Deusdedit Tumusiime, Hakim Rugasa, Night Joy Mpeirwe Karungi, and Harriet Natukunda.
The names were presented before council by City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kakyebezi, who also chairs the City Executive Committee, during Thursday’s council sitting.
While tabling the nominees, Mayor Kakyebezi acknowledged that the city had faced significant governance challenges after three members of the former commission were interdicted over alleged abuse of office and corruption.
The former chairperson, Edward Karugaba Kikaraya, alongside Lubega M. Kazooba and Benjamin Kahigiriza, was arrested last year on accusations of extorting money from job applicants during a staff recruitment exercise.
The alleged offences reportedly occurred between January and April 2023, shortly after the city advertised several key positions, including City Chief Finance Officer, City Planner, Natural Resources and Environment Officer, Physical Planner, Commercial Officer, and Principal Internal Auditor. The scandal forced city authorities to suspend the recruitment process.
In the interim, the Isingiro District Service Commission was engaged to oversee recruitment matters for nearly three years.
Betty Tigefera, the City Female Councillor representing the elderly, commended the Executive Committee for selecting what she described as a high-calibre team capable of restoring transparency and efficiency within the commission.
Mayor Kakyebezi expressed confidence in the newly approved commissioners, citing their professional experience and public standing. He said the new team is expected to rebuild institutional integrity, restore public trust, and ensure service delivery aligned with citizens’ expectations over the next four years.
