Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa has called for sweeping reforms in the recruitment of senior local government officials, arguing that placing the responsibility under the Public Service Commission could help strengthen accountability and prevent corruption.Tayebwa said senior technical officers, including district engineers, should be recruited through the central Public Service Commission instead of District Service Commissions.
He believes the move would create a more independent system and make it easier to transfer officers when necessary.The Deputy Speaker made the proposal during an anti-corruption baraza held at Rwakitandara Playground in Ruhinda North, Mitooma District, where residents met Minister of Local Government Balaam Barugahara to discuss corruption concerns and challenges affecting public service delivery.
He raised concerns that the current recruitment approach could allow technical officers and district leaders to develop relationships that may compromise oversight, potentially leading to the misuse of funds meant for community development projects.Tayebwa explained that centrally appointed officers would be less likely to be influenced by local interests, adding that regular transfers could help prevent the creation of networks that facilitate abuse of public resources.During the engagement, Tayebwa disclosed that some individuals in Mitooma District had been arrested over alleged mismanagement of Parish Development Model funds.
He said authorities were working to tighten systems and stop people who take advantage of government programmes meant to support citizens.He encouraged residents to remain involved in monitoring government initiatives and reporting wrongdoing, saying the fight against corruption requires cooperation between communities, leaders and public institutions.
Tayebwa also praised Minister Barugahara’s nationwide accountability campaigns, saying taking anti-corruption discussions directly to citizens can help uncover cases that might otherwise remain unnoticed. He assured that Parliament would continue supporting efforts to improve transparency and ensure government resources benefit the people.
