Lira, Uganda – Lawrence Egole, Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Lira City, has called on Lira City Service Commission to stay resolute in maintaining integrity and transparency in the recruitment process, as the city sees a surge in job applicants.
In a recent meeting with the commission, Egole commended their hard work but warned of the dangers posed by corruption and external interference in the recruitment process.
Egole emphasized the importance of the City Service Commission in shaping Lira’s future, particularly as the commission plays a central role in selecting individuals who will serve the city and the nation in public sector positions.
He praised their work so far, noting that their commitment to upholding standards had been evident since their appointment. However, he stressed that their efforts must remain free from any form of corruption to ensure the delivery of competent public services.
“In recruiting public servants, your integrity is paramount,” Egole remarked. “You are the gatekeepers of the future, and the people you select will influence the quality of services delivered to Lira’s residents and, ultimately, to the whole country.”
Egole’s concerns centered around rumors that some commission members might be accepting bribes to influence recruitment decisions.
He warned the commissioners to resist the temptation to accept money or other forms of bribery, noting that doing so could have disastrous consequences not only for the city’s development but also for the long-term prospects of those involved.
The RCC underscored the connection between good governance and fair recruitment.
“Cities and districts that perform well in service delivery have one thing in common – their service commissions recruit the right people based on merit, not on influence or money,” he added.
With over 3,000 applicants vying for 300 positions recently advertised in fields like health, education, agriculture, engineering, among others, Egole noted the pressure the commission faces but urged them not to be swayed by any external pressures, such as bribery or political influence.
He also issued a stern warning to those attempting to manipulate the system.
“I have received reports of certain leaders in the district extorting money from job seekers under the guise of helping them secure positions. Let me be clear: any attempt to corrupt the recruitment process will be dealt with severely,” Egole stated.
Additionally, Egole called for greater vigilance during the interview process, advising the service commissioners to ensure that those involved in conducting interviews are people of integrity.
“Some may try to compromise the process, so be cautious about who you involve in selecting candidates,” he warned.
In response, the Chairperson of the Lira City Service Commission, Fedrick Ogwal Oyee, assured Egole and the public that the commission would uphold its commitment to fairness.
“We understand the gravity of our work, and I assure you that we will do our best to select the best candidates for the job. My team and I will not be bribed, and we will not allow any compromise in the recruitment process,” Ogwal Oyee stated.
He emphasized that the commission is dedicated to ensuring a transparent and merit-based selection process, despite the challenges and pressures that come with such a large pool of applicants.
Egole also appealed to the Lira City Council to allocate a larger budget to the City Service Commission, citing the current limited resources that make it difficult for the commission to carry out its duties effectively.
He argued that adequate funding would reduce the risk of corruption and ensure that the commission has the necessary tools to recruit the best candidates.
The meeting was attended by the Town Clerk, Chairperson, Secretary and members of the Lira City Service Commission and all were reminded of their duty to ensure that public recruitment processes remain transparent, fair and free from corruption.
With Lira’s future depending on the recruitment of qualified and competent individuals, Egole’s message was clear as integrity must be at the forefront of every decision the service commission makes.
I do appreciate you for bringing all thus on board to us from far to get closer to our people and know what is taking place