Gov't to stop operation of District Service Commissions over corruption

*Nicholas Abola, commissioner information and communication, directorate of ethics and integrity*

By Denis Okello (denisokello@vol.co.ug)

Lira

Government is mooting a proposal to stop operations of District Service Commissions over corruption.

Nicholas Abola, the commissioner for information and communication at the directorate of ethics and integrity made the remarks while opening a stakeholders’ meeting to lay their strategies aimed to fight corruption and empower leaders to fight graft as well as equipping them with knowledge on operations of the district integrity promotion forum.

The meeting was attended by RDC’s, LCVs, security, CAOs, town clerks, chairpersons of District Service Commissions in Lango among others at Pauline Hotel, Lira city.

Abola said the district service commission will be replaced by national service commission, regional service commission or independent service commission.

He said they have been getting reports of bribery, sexual harassment of female job seekers meted by the district service commission members on those seeking job opportunities.

The Resident District Commissioner of Apac, George Abudul who doubles as chaperons of RDCs in Lango, attributed rising corruption cases on pressure being mounted on leaders by the electorate, citing instances where one leader facilitates and attends 10 burials in one day.

Abudul also decried cases of fraud by individuals who use names of prominent people, citing the former clan head of Okadameri, Anthony Oyuku who recently misused part of 10 million shillings condolence money sent by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

He said Uganda loses a lot of money in corruption tendencies, which funds could have been used to support the country’s development and reduce over dependence on foreign aid.