Hoima District Local Government has officially sworn in a new District Service Commission (DSC) to tackle critical staffing shortages that have hindered service delivery in the region. The district has been operating without substantively appointed heads of key departments, including the District Engineer, District Education Officer, District Health Officer, Principal Personnel Officer, Senior Water Officer, and Senior Procurement Officer. These positions have been filled by individuals in acting capacities, leading to inefficiencies and poor performance.
Hoima District Chairperson Uthuman Mugisa highlighted the impact of these staffing gaps on service delivery, noting that the lack of permanent department heads has significantly affected the district’s ability to meet the needs of its residents. He explained that a government-imposed ban on recruitment had delayed the filling of these positions, but the district has now received approval from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service to proceed with hiring.
The newly sworn-in DSC members, led by Chairperson Kato Florence, include Francis Balyesiima, Rehema Rumbiha, Alex Kyehikira, and Samuel Asiimwe. The swearing-in ceremony was conducted by Hoima Chief Magistrate George Kunihira at the district headquarters. During the event, Kunihira urged the commissioners to uphold the principles of natural justice, fairness, and integrity in their duties.*"We must respect the oath we have taken and ensure that our actions promote fairness and justice. The people of Hoima are counting on us to address these challenges and improve service delivery,"* said Chief Magistrate Kunihira.
Resident District Commissioner Rodgers Mbabazi emphasized the importance of resolving the staffing issues, which have been a major obstacle to effective governance and service provision in the district. He expressed optimism that the new DSC would prioritize the recruitment of qualified personnel to fill the vacant positions.
The newly appointed DSC members pledged to work diligently to address the district’s staffing challenges and improve service delivery. They acknowledged the trust placed in them and promised to fulfill their mandate with transparency and accountability.
The swearing-in of the DSC marks a significant step toward addressing Hoima’s administrative and staffing challenges. With the recruitment ban lifted and a new commission in place, the district is poised to make progress in filling critical positions and enhancing service delivery for its residents.
