Wakiso District councillors have cautioned the newly approved District Service Commission against corruption, bribery, discrimination and favouritism in the recruitment and promotion of district staff.
The warning was issued during the third sitting of the seventh session of the Wakiso District Council, where councillors vetted and approved four members of the commission.
The approved commissioners are Dr Timothy Mutesasira as chairperson, Bashir Sserunkuma and Majorine Kalemeera as members, and Najjuma Juliet as the representative of urban councils.
Presenting the nominees, Wakiso District Chairperson Eng Ian Kyeyune described them as people of integrity with extensive experience and said they were ready to serve the district with commitment and diligence.
Kyeyune, however, warned that the council would not tolerate misconduct by members of the commission.
“I will support councillors to dismiss any member who engages in corruption, bribery or fails to deliver,” Kyeyune said.
District Council Speaker Ibrahim Kazibwe said although the council had given the new commission an opportunity to serve, its performance would be closely monitored.
He reminded the commissioners of their obligation to submit quarterly reports to the council as required by law.
“We are giving you a chance, but we shall closely monitor your work. Do not forget to present your quarterly reports to council as stipulated by law,” Kazibwe said.
The Chief Administrative Officer, Jude Mark Bukenya, welcomed the new commission, describing its appointment as a major step towards addressing staffing challenges in the district.
Bukenya said the commission would be responsible for recruiting staff, promoting eligible public servants and clearing a backlog of pending appointments.
He said the education and health sectors would be prioritised because they have been severely affected by staff shortages.
The newly appointed commissioners thanked the council for entrusting them with the responsibility and pledged to restore public confidence in the commission.
They promised to uphold integrity and transparency and rejected corruption and bribery in the recruitment process.
Councillors, however, challenged the commission to ensure that job opportunities are distributed fairly across the district.
Kato Edward, the councillor for Lukwaga, Suleiman Ssenkubuge of Bussi Islands and Akisam Katerega from Kasangati called for transparency in recruitment and urged the commission to give priority to qualified young people from Wakiso.
Meanwhile, the council approved a supplementary budget of Shs734.38 million for the 2025/26 financial year under the Health Department.
The supplementary budget, presented by the Secretary for Finance, Planning and General Duties, Kalyebara Sherry Ateenyi, will finance two key interventions.
Of the money, Shs591.24 million will be used for the Measles-Rubella immunisation campaign, while Shs143.24 million will support the strengthening of health systems.
The funding will come from the Ministry of Health, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (GAVI) and the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI).
