The Minister of State for Finance (General Duties), Honorable Henry Musasizi, has called on members of the newly inaugurated Rubanda District Service Commission to uphold the highest standards of ethics, confidentiality, and integrity as they execute their duties, warning against corruption and favoritism in public service recruitment.
Presiding over the swearing-in ceremony held at Volcano Hotel in Rubanda Town Council on Monday, Minister Musasizi, who also oversees the National Treasury, reminded the commissioners that ethical discipline is the cornerstone of effective public service.
“The Treasury is where all government money is kept, money comes in and goes out and managing such responsibility requires strong ethical discipline,” Musasizi said. “Whatever you do, you must be objective. Those who have worked with me in this district know that I always listen to all sides before making a decision.”
Minister Musasizi urged the new commission members to protect their integrity, remain impartial, and maintain confidentiality in all matters that come before them.
“Whatever you see as a member of the Commission should remain within the Commission,” he noted. “Even as Minister of Finance, whatever I see in the National Treasury or Cabinet remains confidential. That’s part of the oath of secrecy we take.”
He issued a stern warning against corruption, especially the sale of public service jobs, revealing that previous incidents had damaged the district’s reputation.
“We had a case where an officer paid money to get a job and later tried to recover it through illegal means. That kind of corruption, selling jobs, we shall not tolerate,” he emphasized.
He assured the public that his office would continue to exercise strict oversight over public resources and hold all responsible officers accountable.
“My eyes will be on everyone responsible. Make it easy for people to get jobs on merit, not through corruption,” Musasizi stated.
The Minister commended the new commissioners for accepting the responsibility to serve and encouraged them to work as a team for the greater good of Rubanda District.
“You are a dynamic team meeting in one boardroom to make strategic decisions for this district. I am confident that with proper training and commitment, you will deliver,” he said.
He further reminded public servants that while they are not politicians, they serve within a government with a clear development agenda.
“You are not politicians, but you should know that the government you work for is the NRM government, and it has an interest in maintaining stability and continuity,” Musasizi said. “When the district chairman is happy, I sleep well. But when he is not happy, my phone keeps ringing. So, we expect you to work in a way that keeps the system effective and stable.”
Minister Musasizi also called on district leaders to pursue what he termed “politics of interest” a focus on shared goals that advance Rubanda’s development rather than divisive politics.
“We should engage in politics that brings development to our district. The politics of who and where will only drag us backward. What unites us is the development of Rubanda, and that should be our common interest,” he said.
CUE IN MINISTER MUSASIZI….ON THE MATTER……ENG//
The Rubanda LC5 Chairman, Stephen Ampaire Kasyaba, pledged full support to the new commission members, assuring them of the necessary resources and cooperation to perform their duties effectively.
He echoed the Minister’s call for integrity and accountability, noting that corruption remains a major challenge affecting service delivery.
“After the recent recruitment exercise, the Public Service Commission raised concerns about corruption in appointments,” Kasyaba revealed. “I explained that we selected teachers because they are people of integrity and discipline. Most of our challenges come from the education department, which manages a payroll of over 1,500 teachers.”
Kasyaba also commended the Service Commission members for their composure and professionalism during the interview process, noting that the Public Service Commission had praised their performance.
The Rubanda Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Eric Ssewandigi, Commended the district leadership for promoting transparency and integrity in recruitment, describing Rubanda as a model of clean governance.
“I have seen days when interviews are conducted here, and the District Chairman ensures there is no interference or external influence in the process,” Ssewandigi said. “This is a rare practice in Uganda, where corruption has deeply affected public service recruitment.”
He warned against fraudsters and middlemen who exploit job seekers, recounting a case where a young man from Kampala was conned of Shs 7 million by someone pretending to have links with the district.
“Any staff who pays money to get a job will likely steal public funds to recover it, and we shall not tolerate that,” he cautioned.
The newly inaugurated Rubanda District Service Commission includes: Beda Turinomuhangi – Chairperson, Peter Buregyeya, Goreti Kobusingye, Aggrey Tumwesigye and Beatrice Tumushabe.
The members were sworn in by His Worship Isaac Rukundo, the Rubanda Principal Grade One Magistrate.
