By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE
The Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, and his junior minister, Justine Nameere, has dissolved the Mbale District Service Commission.
Hon. Balaam Ateenyi made the declaration on Saturday, 18th July, 2026 during a Baraza meeting held late in the evening after their monitoring of government projects in Mbale District and Mbale City at Mbale Cricket Grounds located at Mbale city.
During the Baraza meeting, residents raised concerns about corruption within the Mbale District Service Commission, alleging that it was extorting money from applicants before they could get jobs after recruitment adverts.
They requested the minister to arrest the commission members and the chairperson to face corruption charges.
In response, Minister Balaam dissolved the Mbale District Service Commission and directed police to investigate the allegations, saying that if found guilty, all commission members should be arrested.
However, after being contacted, Tony Wamakale, the Mbale District LCV Chairperson, said the minister should first look for concrete evidence, adding that the minister has no power to dissolve the Service Commission.
According to the Local Government Act, Cap. 243 of Uganda, the power to dissolve a District Service Commission lies with the Minister of Local Government.
Here’s how it works: Who can dissolve it. The Minister of Local Government may dissolve a District Service Commission. [Section 56(1), Local Government Act].
This is usually done on advice from the Public Service Commission, especially if the Commission is found to be malfunctioning, engaging in misconduct, or failing to perform its duties.
The Minister can dissolve the Commission if: It fails to perform its functions, Members engage in misconduct or abuse of office, there are persistent complaints and investigations that recommend dissolution
After dissolution, the Minister, in consultation with the Public Service Commission and District Council, puts in place arrangements for a new Commission to be constituted.
So it’s not the RDC, CAO, or District Chairperson alone who can dissolve it. The Minister of Local Government has that legal mandate.
