Luuka District Service Commission Chair Defends Against Misconduct Allegations

The accusations, detailed in a January 6, 2025, letter by Luuka District LCV Chairperson Mr. Simon Wakaze, include claims of soliciting a bribe of Shs17 million from a clinical officer, Ms. Sylvia Baisemubaka, delays in signing commission minutes, and pending police cases at Kiyunga Central Police Station.
The Chairperson of Luuka District Service Commission, Mr. Paul Isabirye, has strongly denied allegations of misconduct, abuse of office, and corruption, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
The accusations, detailed in a January 6, 2025, letter by Luuka District LCV Chairperson Mr. Simon Wakaze, include claims of soliciting a bribe of Shs17 million from a clinical officer, Ms. Sylvia Baisemubaka, delays in signing commission minutes, and pending police cases at Kiyunga Central Police Station.
Mr. Wakaze demanded a response by January 13, 2025.
In a written response dated January 10, 2025, Mr. Isabirye refuted the allegations, asserting that the recruitment of a Senior Clinical Officer on October 25, 2024, was conducted transparently.
He explained that the position was awarded to Mr. Richard Otim, the top performer based on interview results.
Addressing the bribery accusation, Mr. Isabirye stated he was not involved in any financial transaction with Ms. Baisemubaka.
He alleged the money was paid to a third party, Mr. George Mudhuli, who falsely claimed to act on his behalf.
"I asked her [Ms. Baisemubaka] if she had given me any money, and she admitted giving it to Mr. Mudhuli, who promised to secure the job for her. Mudhuli acknowledged this when I confronted him," he said.
According to Mr. Isabirye, Mr. Mudhuli refunded Shs 13 million to Ms. Baisemubaka on December 30, 2024, with a promise to clear the remaining Shs 4 million by January 6, 2025.
When this did not happen, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) ordered Mudhuli’s arrest.
Mr. Isabirye accused Mr. Wakaze of using the allegations to undermine the commission’s independence for political purposes.
"Your actions suggest a strategy to influence public perception for electoral gain rather than uphold justice and good governance," he wrote.
He also revealed that his legal team is exploring possible actions against the defamatory claims.
On the matter of police summons, Mr. Isabirye clarified that the entire commission, not just him, was called for investigations and assured his full cooperation.
He dismissed the accusations as politically driven and expressed concern about attempts to erode the commission’s impartiality.
Mr. Isabirye alleged that external influences, including recommendations in favor of Mr. Otim during interviews, undermined the fairness of the recruitment process.
He warned that such interference damages public trust in governance structures and weakens the commission’s integrity.
Under Uganda’s Constitution and the Local Government Act, District Service Commissions are tasked with managing recruitment, promotions, and disciplinary processes.
Concerns over their independence could jeopardize their critical mandate.
The resolution of these allegations and the findings of ongoing investigations will be instrumental in determining the credibility of Luuka District’s governance systems and the future functioning of its service commission.