Tension is mounting in Mityana District following a firm stance taken by newly elected District Chairperson Joseph Luzige, who has vowed not to work with the current District Service Commission, accusing it of lacking integrity in the execution of its duties.
Luzige says he intends to constitute a new, credible commission that he can work with transparently, arguing that the current team has lost public trust.
“I cannot work with a commission that is tainted by allegations of corruption. We need a fresh team that will uphold transparency and fairness in recruitment,” Luzige stated.
However, his position has drawn criticism from district council leaders, who argue that he should first settle into office and follow due procedures before making such decisions.
The controversy follows developments at the end of February this year, when the State House Anti-Corruption Unit arrested members of the District Service Commission over allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
The officials were accused of irregularly awarding jobs to unqualified individuals, including relatives. Those arrested included Dr. Lwassampijja Fred, along with commission members Mukiibi Hussein, Ssekibuule Andrew, and Anna Miriam Nassali, who was accused of using her position to secure employment for her husband.
The suspects were later released on police bond as investigations continue.
Luzige has since claimed he played a role in exposing the alleged corruption—remarks that have further deepened divisions among district leaders.
Mityana District Council Speaker Catherine Nalweyiso criticized Luzige’s approach, warning that his actions risk undermining not only the commission but the entire district leadership.
“Such statements and actions do not only affect the service commission but also damage the image and cohesion of the entire district leadership,” Nalweyiso said.
Council leaders maintain that there is no justification for Luzige to confront fellow leaders at this stage, urging him to follow established administrative procedures once he fully assumes office.
Despite the pushback, Luzige has remained resolute, insisting that he will not work with the current commission as long as the implicated members remain associated with it.
“I stand by my position. We must restore trust in public institutions, and that starts with ensuring accountability in recruitment processes,” he emphasized.
Luzige, who previously served as district chairperson between 2016 and 2021, lost the seat in the 2021 elections but has now made a political comeback after defeating Annie Miriam Nassali Lugendo in the 2026 polls. He secured 37,778 votes against Nassali’s 18,119.
The unfolding standoff highlights broader concerns about governance, accountability, and leadership cohesion in the district as the new administration prepares to take shape.
