The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kisoro has summoned Kisoro District Council, officials to respond to an application filed by six members of the Kisoro District Service Commission, challenging ongoing recruitment disputes.
According to court documents seen by our reporter dated May 5, 2026, the applicants, who are members of the Kisoro District Service Commission, have petitioned the court seeking a temporary injunction against the district authorities.
The case, filed before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Kisoro, arises from a dispute between the commission members and district leadership over alleged interference in the recruitment of civil servants.
The applicants argue that actions by district authorities to halt the recruitment process and initiate disciplinary measures against them could undermine the lawful operations of the commission.
Through their application, the six officials, who include Nsahaka Erastus, Fr. Safari Emmanuel, Richard Turamuhawe, Peace Mbabazi, Gaudensia Busingye and Francesca Mugisha want court orders restraining Kisoro District Council and Kisoro District Local Government from stopping the ongoing recruitment exercise based on earlier job advertisements.
They are also seeking protection from suspension, interdiction, or any disruption to their official duties until the main application is determined.
Court records indicate that the matter will come up for hearing on May 26, 2026, while the main case is scheduled for June 16, 2026. The applicants are further asking the court to affirm the independence of the District Service Commission, arguing that it should operate without external direction or control, as provided for under the law.
The legal proceedings follow a petition filed on April 10, 2026, by Kisoro District LC5 Vice Chairperson, Alex Nambajimana, to the Chief Administrative Officer raising concerns about alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. The move, he noted, was intended to strengthen transparency and accountability in public service delivery.
Nambajimana highlighted a number of concerns, including alleged inconsistencies in shortlisting during the first external advert, deviations from advertised positions, and the inclusion of unadvertised jobs during interviews. He also cited claims of favoritism and misuse of reserve lists, which he said may have disadvantaged qualified candidates.
According to the petition, a March 4, 2026 meeting discussed the availability of additional wage resources, leading to a proposal to recruit more staff from the reserve list. The proposal was later approved by the District Executive Committee, but Nambajimana alleges that its implementation deviated from agreed guidelines.
He further referenced whistleblower reports suggesting that some decisions may not have followed established procedures, raising concerns about adherence to District Executive Committee resolutions. He also questioned the process behind a subsequent job advertisement, saying it may not have involved adequate consultation.
As part of his recommendations, Nambajimana called for the temporary suspension of the recruitment advert to allow for a thorough review of the concerns raised.
Observers say the court process offers an opportunity to resolve the dispute through legal means and strengthen institutional integrity. Stakeholders in Kisoro District are now looking to the court’s guidance to ensure fairness, transparency, and proper adherence to public service recruitment procedures.
