By Alfred Opio
Pallisa, Uganda — Tension is mounting within Pallisa District leadership following the delayed approval of the District Service Commission Chairperson, with local officials expressing concern that the stalemate could affect service delivery.
LC V Chairperson Patrick Duchu has voiced frustration over what he describes as repeated delays by the district council to approve the appointment of Makata Asakeri for the position.
According to Duchu, he has presented the nominee’s name to the council on several occasions, but no progress has been made.
He accused District Speaker Stephen Mwanika Leges of failing to convene council sittings to deliberate on the matter, saying the continued delay is undermining the effective functioning of the district.
“The district cannot operate efficiently without a fully constituted Service Commission. This delay is affecting service delivery,” Duchu said, warning that he may take further action if the council does not sit within the next few weeks.
However, Speaker Mwanika defended the council’s position, attributing the delay to an ongoing investigation by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG).
He explained that the IGG is probing alleged irregularities in the recent recruitment of civil servants in the district and advised that the council wait for the outcome before proceeding with the approval process.
“The IGG suspects there were errors in the recruitment process. It is important that we allow the investigations to be completed before the council handles the matter,” Mwanika said.
He assured residents that once the inquiry is concluded, the council will convene to address the approval of the District Service Commission Chairperson.
Meanwhile, John Okaki, the District Councillor for Akisim Sub-county, called for the immediate resolution of the impasse, warning that the delay has generated mixed reactions among residents.
Okaki urged both the Speaker and the LC V Chairperson to set aside political differences and focus on the district’s development priorities.
“Leaders must work together for the good of the people. If this stalemate continues, it is the residents who will suffer most,” he said.
The District Service Commission plays a critical role in recruiting and managing civil servants, making its full operation essential for effective service delivery across the district..
