By Alfred Opio
Pallisa District Council has unanimously approved a new Chairperson of the District Service Commission following an emergency council meeting, ending months of leadership stalemate that had disrupted recruitment processes across the district.
The position became vacant on December 6 last year after the expiry of the term of former chairperson Philip Omagor, leaving the commission unable to conduct shortlisting, interviews, and appointments for several advertised posts.
The delay created administrative challenges and stalled critical service delivery, with multiple vacancies remaining unfilled.
Efforts to appoint a replacement had previously hit a deadlock after the District LC5 Chairperson, Patrick Duchu, repeatedly presented the name of Makata Asakeri for council approval. However, councilors declined to endorse the nominee, citing concerns over trust and suitability.
The impasse was eventually resolved following intervention from the Inspectorate of Government in Mbale, which prompted the convening of an emergency council sitting.
During the meeting, councilors unanimously approved Stephen Mwanika Leges, the current District Speaker, as the new Chairperson of the District Service Commission. No objections were raised during the vote.
Speaking after the session, Duchu said he had nominated Asakeri in good faith but welcomed the council’s final decision.
“I presented the name without knowing that the councilors had no trust in him. What matters now is that the council has agreed and we can move forward,” Duchu said.
Council members expressed confidence in Leges’ leadership and professional background.
Beatrice Asio, District Councilor representing Kameke and Obolliso sub-counties, described him as a person of integrity with extensive experience in the education sector.
“Hon. Leges has worked as a class teacher, head teacher, a leader in UNATU, and a proprietor. He is someone we trust to handle this office diligently,” Asio noted.
William Emurwon, the councilor for Agule Sub-county, said the approval would ease tensions within the community, where concerns had grown over prolonged delays in recruitment.
“The community has been bitter because they feared that funds meant for recruitment could be returned to the central government. This approval has saved us from that pressure,” Emurwon explained.
Meanwhile, the Pallisa Chief Administrative Officer, Flex Alex Majeme, confirmed that the next step will be forwarding the approved name to the Public Service Commission for formal appointment.
“I will soon present the newly approved chairperson to the Public Service Commission for appointment. I call upon the people of Pallisa to remain calm as the matter will be resolved in a few days,” Majeme said.
With the approval secured, district leaders are optimistic that recruitment processes will resume soon, restoring normal operations and improving service delivery across Pallisa District.
