Government officials are pushing for a transition to a digital recruitment system in local governments to address the widespread issues of corruption and bribery in district and city Service commissions.
“The Ministry of Public Service should implement e-recruitment processes in all local governments to reduce face-to-face interactions between job seekers and the commissions,” stated Hon. Martin Ojara Mapenduzi, the Chairperson of the Committee on Public Service and Local Government.
Mapenduzi disclosed that the committee uncovered serious allegations of corruption and bribery by the service commissions during visits to local governments, leading to a loss of trust in the recruitment process by citizens.
He cited an incident in Kikuube District where over Shs2 trillion designated for recruitment in the 2021/2022 fiscal year was mismanaged due to allegations of bribery, prompting the suspension of the recruitment process.
During a parliamentary session chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Mapenduzi presented the committee’s findings on the functionality of DSCs and CSCs in personnel management across Northern, Western, and Eastern regions.
Furthermore, Mapenduzi shared accounts from individuals who were unfairly excluded from job opportunities due to bribery, illustrating the pervasive corruption within the recruitment process.
The committee report also highlighted political interference in recruitment processes, contravening the Local Government Act’s requirement for commission independence.
Allegations of irregularities in recruitment processes led to interventions by the Inspector General of Government, causing delays in addressing reported cases and impacting service delivery.
The need for expedited investigations and clear timelines for case resolution were emphasized by legislators to ensure swift justice in corruption cases.
Mapenduzi also addressed challenges with the pension scheme, citing issues of discrimination and delayed payments affecting pensioners.
Tayebwa acknowledged the gravity of the report’s findings and postponed a detailed debate for a future parliamentary session to properly address the issues raised.
This comprehensive report sheds light on systemic issues affecting local government operations and underscores the need for urgent reforms to combat corruption and ensure transparent recruitment processes.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.