By Brian Mugenyi
Kampala: In a bid to secure effective service delivery to an ordinary citizen of Uganda, the Ministry of Local Government has issued new guidance aimed at addressing performance-related issues in recruitment processes under decentralization, warning against corruption, nepotism, sexual favours and political interference in Local Government appointments.
In a circular referenced ADM/92/01 dated 10 July 2026, addressed to All Chairpersons and All City Mayors, Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya reminded leaders that Local Government Service Commissions must uphold the principles of ethics, integrity, meritocracy, transparency, accountability, fairness and impartiality.
The guidance states:
“As you are aware, Local Government Service Commissions are established under Article 198 (1) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 59 of the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138.”
“Section 60 (1) of the same Act provides for the functions of the Local Government Service Commissions with powers to appoint persons to hold or act in any office in the service of a district or urban council, including the power to confirm appointments, exercise disciplinary control over persons holding or acting in such offices and to remove those persons from office.”
The Permanent Secretary noted that while exercising these powers, Local Government Service Commissions are expected to uphold the cardinal principles of:
Ethics and Integrity
Meritocracy
Transparency
Accountability
Fairness
Impartiality
However, Mr. Kumumanya raised concern over continued allegations of corruption in the management of recruitment in Local Governments.
“However, we have continued to receive widespread allegations of corruption in the management of recruitment in Local Governments. These are manifested in the form of asking for bribes, nepotism and sexual favours, among others, for one to gain appointment into the Local Government Service, which is totally unacceptable and must be dealt with as stipulated under the relevant laws and regulations.”
The Permanent Secretary also raised concern over reports that some Local Governments return wage funds that have already been appropriated.
“In addition, it has been reported time and again that Local Governments return wage funds that have already been appropriated. This must be explained, and whoever is responsible for this commission or omission should be held accountable and disciplined as stipulated.”
Mr. Kumumanya further warned against political interference in recruitment processes.
“It has also been brought to our attention that some Political Leaders put pressure on District Service Commissions and City Service Commissions to recruit people outside the established processes and proceedings. This is illegal and should stop wherever it is happening, or else the law will soon catch up with whoever is involved in such actions.”
In line with the guidance and in accordance with Section 105 of the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138, the Permanent Secretary reminded leaders of their responsibility in ensuring the following:
You should:
a) Ensure that adequate due diligence is carried out on persons to be appointed to the District/City Service Commissions.
b) Monitor and document the commissions’ observance of the cardinal principles of ethics and integrity in the execution of their mandates.
c) Always investigate and take appropriate action on allegations of corruption in the recruitment processes in Local Governments.
d) Where it is established that a member of the commission or the entire commission is involved in corrupt practices, misbehaviour or misconduct, initiate the removal of such member(s) in accordance with Section 59 (9) of the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138.
e) Where guidance is needed on any matter relating to Decentralised Human Resource Management, reach out to the Ministry, and appropriate guidance will be provided as stipulated under Section 105 of the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138.
The Permanent Secretary stated:
“The purpose of this communication is to forward to you the above guidance for your further action and management accordingly.”
Ben Kumumanya
PERMANENT SECRETARY
Copies to:
The Hon. Minister of Local Government, Kampala
The Hon. Minister of State for Local Government, Kampala
The Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Kampala
The Chairperson, Public Service Commission, Kampala
The Principal Private Secretary to H.E. the President, Entebbe
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Service, Kampala
The Secretary, Public Service Commission, Kampala
All Chief Administrative Officers
All Town Clerks of Cities
