Kampala, Uganda | The Public Service Commission (PSC) has launched an inquiry into the appointment of Fredrick Ogwal Oyee as Chairperson of the Lira City Service Commission following a petition challenging the legality of his appointment.
The Commission has convened a stakeholders’ meeting scheduled for June 15, 2026, in Lira City to gather facts surrounding the disputed appointment.
In a letter dated June 8, 2026, addressed to the Lira City Town Clerk, PSC Secretary Dr. John Geoffrey Mbabazi said the Commission had received an appeal filed through M/S Ssekayewa, Matovu & Co. Advocates contesting the recommendation, approval, and subsequent appointment of Ogwal Oyee.
The Commission directed the Town Clerk to organise a meeting venue at the city headquarters and invite all stakeholders involved in the process, including the Resident City Commissioner, Mayor, Speaker, Town Clerk, Clerk to Council, members and secretary of the City Service Commission, as well as the complainants and their legal representatives.
Ogwal Oyee has also been asked to present his academic documents for verification during the proceedings.
The petition was lodged by Ogwang Tony Oming and Ogile Philips through their lawyers on May 4, 2026. The petitioners argue that the appointment contravenes the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act, 2023, which bars traditional and cultural leaders from holding administrative, legislative, or executive positions in government.
According to the petitioners, Ogwal Oyee became the de facto Won Nyaci me Lango following the death of the late Yosam Odur Ebii and has since been carrying out functions associated with the office, including presiding over cultural ceremonies, coronating clan leaders and appointing ministers.
They further contend that his position as a cultural leader creates a conflict of interest that could compromise the independence and impartiality required of a chairperson of a city service commission, which oversees recruitment and disciplinary matters in public service.
The petitioners are seeking the nullification of the appointment and a fresh recruitment process in accordance with the law. Copies of the petition were also forwarded to the Public Service Commission, the Inspector General of Government, and the Minister of Ethics and Integrity.
Speaking in a media interview earlier this month, the foundation’s spokesperson, Jacob Ocen, dismissed the petition, saying legal authorities would determine whether any errors were made during the appointment process.
Ocen maintained that Ogwal Oyee was serving his second term as chairperson of the commission and suggested that the petitioners were merely seeking public attention.
The outcome of the PSC investigation is expected to determine whether the appointment complied with existing legal provisions governing public service appointments and the role of cultural leaders in public office.