Defending District and City Service Commissions is not an attempt to shield corruption. Rather, it is a recognition that decentralization remains one of Uganda’s most effective governance principles when supported by strong institutions.
The Uganda Local Governments Association position on District and City Service Commissions as a Formidable Approach to Effective Decentralization in Uganda. A policy position against recentralizing recruitment from local governments to the central public service system: By Richard Okuku, Secretary General
Recent calls to transfer the recruitment of local government staff from District and City Service Commissions to the central Public Service Commission may appear to offer a quick solution to corruption. However, such a move would undermine one of the most important pillars of Uganda’s decentralization policy without addressing the root causes of malpractice.
District and City Service Commissions are more than recruitment bodies. They are institutions through which decentralization is translated into practical governance, allowing local governments to recruit, promote, discipline and manage the personnel responsible for delivering essential public services. Teachers, health workers, agricultural extension officers, engineers, parish chiefs and community development officers all form the backbone of local service delivery, making effective recruitment central to responsive governance.
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There is no denying that allegations of bribery, political interference, nepotism, forged documents, manipulation of recruitment processes and delays have damaged public confidence in some service commissions. Such accusations must be investigated thoroughly, and individuals found guilty should face the full force of the law. Corruption in public recruitment erodes trust, denies qualified Ugandans opportunities based on merit and ultimately weakens service delivery.
Yet, institutional failure should not automatically lead to institutional abolition. Weaknesses in recruitment systems point to the need for stronger oversight, better funding, continuous training, improved supervision and more effective enforcement—not the recentralization of powers that the Constitution deliberately devolved to local governments.
Recentralizing recruitment would distance staffing decisions from the communities most affected by vacancies. A centralized system could become overwhelmed, slower to respond to local needs and no less vulnerable to corruption. Instead of eliminating malpractice, it may simply shift it from the district level to the national level while reducing opportunities for local accountability.
A more sustainable solution lies in comprehensive reforms. Recruitment processes should be digitized, interview schedules and results published, complaint mechanisms strengthened and recruitment records securely maintained. Members of District and City Service Commissions should undergo rigorous vetting, regular professional training and periodic performance audits, while whistleblowers should receive stronger protection. Adequate operational funding and enhanced oversight by district councils and central government institutions would further strengthen integrity without eroding local autonomy.
Defending District and City Service Commissions is not an attempt to shield corruption. Rather, it is a recognition that decentralization remains one of Uganda’s most effective governance principles when supported by strong institutions. The answer is not to dismantle local recruitment but to make it more transparent, accountable and efficient.
Uganda’s commitment should therefore be to reform, resource and modernize District and City Service Commissions while ensuring that corrupt officials are held accountable. Strengthening these institutions will protect merit, improve public service delivery and preserve the promise of bringing government closer to the people.
