news 28 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Rakai Service Commission Nominees' Political Past Sparks Controversy

Appointments to the Rakai District Service Commission are facing scrutiny due to the recent political involvement of two nominees who lost parliamentary bids. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/rakai-service-commission-appointments-spark-debate-5611660

Questions are swirling around the recent appointments to the Rakai District Service Commission (DSC), with concerns raised about the political backgrounds of two nominees. Ms. Peace Mbabazi Tibamanya and Mr. Lecoboam Ssengabi, who both recently contested and lost parliamentary seats in Kooki County, have been proposed as chairperson and member respectively.

The Rakai District Council has approved the five-member commission, with their names now forwarded to the Public Service Commission for final endorsement. However, some local councillors and residents are apprehensive that the nominees’ recent foray into partisan politics could potentially undermine the commission’s impartiality in its crucial role of recruiting and managing district staff.

Councillors like Mr. Gerald Kalema and Mr. Saddam Kiggundu have voiced fears that the commission might not be able to avoid favouritism during recruitment processes, given the nominees’ recent electoral involvement. “Our concern is that these politicians have been recruited to the commission a few months after losing election. There is conflict of interest because they might favour people who supported them,” stated Mr. Kiggundu.

Despite these reservations, the approval of the nominees does not automatically imply they will misuse their positions. The commission is mandated to operate strictly according to public service laws, ensuring that all appointments are based on merit, qualifications, and competence. The other proposed members include Mr. Ali Mazzi, Ms. Jascent Munyumya Nassaka, and Mr. Anderson Ndayahitshe.

Ms. Tibamanya, however, has reassured the public, stating that they have left politics behind and are now dedicated to serving the community. “Let them [residents] feel at home because we have served in other capacities before and we are competent,” she asserted.

The new commission awaits final approval, and the true test will be their ability to demonstrate independence, transparency, and fairness in their duties, especially at a time when public trust in local government institutions is paramount for effective service delivery.