NICHOLAS A
The Rukungiri Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Ahimbisibwe Wilberforce Ongom, has challenged the District Service Commission to be a pillar in the fight against corruption and the recruitment of underqualified civil servants.
He made these remarks on Tuesday during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Rukungiri District Service Commission, which was recently appointed.
Ongom emphasized that a service commission is a critical body responsible for ensuring effective service delivery in the district by recruiting qualified individuals for various roles.
He highlighted some challenges that arise from recruiting unqualified staff, citing poor-quality services as a key consequence. He condemned corruption, noting that in many districts, service commissions are often tempted to solicit bribes from job seekers.
He urged the new Rukungiri District Service Commission to be exemplary by avoiding bribes, gifts, and freebies, stating that such practices lower the commission’s respect and cripple service delivery.
The new Rukungiri District Service Commission comprises Canon Yosiya Twirire as the chairperson, Ninsiima John Chris representing Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Mr. Ndyabahika Henry, Mrs. Namara Betty, and Mrs. Loyce Kemigisha.
This new committee replaces the previous one, which included Mr. Cheophas Tiwaitu as the chairperson and Baryamwihaki Jackson representing PWDs. These two members’ term of office has ended. The remaining members, Mr. Ndyabahika Henry, Mrs. Namara Betty, and Mrs. Loyce Kemigisha, continue to serve on the commission.
According to Ruth, who represented the Ministry of Public Service, the term of a District Service Commission is four years.
Mr. Tiwaitu, the former commission chairperson, expressed gratitude to the appointments committee for giving him the opportunity to serve. He also thanked district authorities for their cooperation in ensuring improved service delivery during his tenure.
He noted that his team worked tirelessly to combat corruption and ensure that qualified Ugandans were recruited for district roles.
Canon Yosiya Twirire, the new commission chairperson, pledged to run the office in accordance with the law. He vowed to fight corruption and ensure effective service delivery by recruiting suitably qualified Ugandans for district jobs.
Geoffrey Kyomukama, the Rukungiri District LC V Chairperson, stressed the importance of integrity within the service commission. He noted that the commission’s decisions, particularly in recruitment, can significantly impact service delivery, either positively or negatively.
