By Kefa Buyindira
NAMISINDWA
Namisindwa District Council has unanimously resolved to suspend the recently published recruitment advert for new Heads of Departments, citing controversies surrounding the process. The council also approved the continuation of interviews for previously shortlisted candidates.
The district initially issued a recruitment advert on December 16, 2024. Shortlisting was completed, and interviews were scheduled for April 7, 2025. However, interviews for the Head of Department positions were suspended without a clear explanation. While candidates awaited a new interview date, a fresh advert specifically targeting the same positions appeared in the New Vision newspaper, sparking tension among stakeholders.
In response, councilors petitioned the Speaker to call a special council meeting, which was held on Friday, April 25, 2025.
District Speaker, Dorothy Walukawu stated that councilors resolved to halt the new advert due to the lack of transparency surrounding the cancellation of the initial recruitment process. She added that the council also resolved to seek clearance to proceed with interviews for the already shortlisted candidates and to hold individuals accountable for the mishandling of the process.
Councilor Weswa Perez Bigaala, who tabled the motion, blamed the District Executive Committee, led by the District Chairperson, for negligence. He also criticized the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for failing to properly advise the council and monitor the operations of statutory bodies.
District Vice Chairperson, Bwayo James Kitumbesi said the executive committee is awaiting a report from the District Service Commission before taking any action, since the commission operates independently. He noted that the issues raised in the meeting were new to them but declined to comment on the reasons behind the publication of the new advert.
Male Youth Councilor, Bwayo Emma expressed disappointment with the executive’s inaction, saying it is their mandate to implement council decisions.
He called it embarrassing for government leaders to plead ignorance on matters they are expected to clarify. Bwayo also urged the authorities to prioritize career development, noting that many staff members have overstayed in the same positions despite being eligible for promotion, something that continues to affect morale.
