In a decisive move to streamline public sector recruitment and curb corruption, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, has directed that all job vacancies within local governments must be publicly advertised, accompanied by clear disclaimers warning against bribery.
Mr. Kumumanya emphasized that the directive is aimed at promoting transparency, fairness, and merit-based recruitment across the public service. He cautioned that no individual should pay any fees to secure government employment, reiterating that such practices are illegal and undermine institutional integrity.
The Permanent Secretary made these remarks while officiating at the opening of a two-week orientation program for Heads of Human Resource at the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi.
The training, organized by the Ministry of Local Government in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Service, the Civil Service College, and the National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi, has brought together 237 Heads of Human Resource from across the country.
Mr. Kumumanya noted that the orientation is designed to strengthen the capacity of human resource leaders to operate as strategic and professional officers within local governments. He highlighted that the program will focus on enhancing professionalism, integrity, and efficiency in public service management.
He further explained that participants are expected to develop robust human resource systems and formulate strategies to combat corruption in critical areas such as recruitment, payroll management, and pension administration.
The directive comes amid longstanding concerns over understaffing in several districts and cities, which has negatively impacted service delivery. Local governments, including Masaka City, have consistently called for accelerated recruitment to address critical staffing gaps.
Mr. Kumumanya reiterated that public service recruitment must remain open, transparent, and strictly merit-based. He urged members of the public to report any officials who solicit bribes in exchange for job opportunities, stressing that the government remains committed to eliminating corruption in all its forms.
“The orientation is guided by the principles of patience, commitment, and sacrifice, which are essential in building a professional and accountable public service,” he added.