Many workers say they have remained in the same positions for years, with some approaching retirement without progressing in their careers.
District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Jude Mark Bukenya acknowledged the concerns during a meeting with head teachers at Kisimbiri Church of Uganda Primary School, where he urged workers to remain patient as efforts continue to restore the commission.
“I understand that many of you expected to be promoted and that is why you are frustrated. I appeal to all employees, especially those who have remained in the same positions for years and those approaching retirement, to remain patient as we work to restore the District Service Commission,” Bukenya said.
The CAO explained that without a District Service Commission, the district cannot undertake key human resource functions, including recruitment, promotion and staff confirmation.
He warned head teachers and other supervisors against taking advantage of the situation by delaying retirement processing for employees who have reached the mandatory retirement age.
“Do not take advantage of the absence of the District Service Commission. When an employee reaches retirement age and stops working, they should officially be processed for retirement in accordance with the law,” Bukenya said.
Wakiso District has operated without a District Service Commission since the previous commission’s term expired. The former commission was appointed during the tenure of former District Chairperson Dr Matia Lwanga Bwanika but was later dissolved.
Meanwhile, Acting District Education Officer Preme Ritah Nanyanzi said schools in the district are experiencing teacher shortages due to retirements that have not been followed by fresh recruitment.
“We have serious staffing gaps in our schools due to retirements. As a temporary measure, we are reviewing schools with low enrolment so that some teachers can be redeployed to schools with larger student populations,” Nanyanzi said.
The staffing gaps have raised concerns among district workers, who say delayed promotions and limited recruitment opportunities are affecting morale and the quality of public service delivery.
Employees say they are hopeful that the reconstitution of the District Service Commission will help address the backlog of promotions, confirmations and recruitment within the district.