Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija has urged the newly sworn-in members of the Public Service Commission (PSC) to uphold integrity, transparency and accountability, warning that corruption in district service commissions and poor performance among public officers undermine effective service delivery.
Justice Zeija made the call on Saturday while presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of the commission’s chairperson, deputy chairperson and members at the Supreme Court Conference Hall in Kampala.
The newly sworn-in officials are Vincent Seruma, who will serve as chairperson; Jane Sanyu Mpagi, deputy chairperson; and members Anthony Taabu Munyaho, Florence Mugoya Malinga, Opio Alex Achol, Kenneth Namboga Madete, Patrick Ngolobe, Mauda Norah Mugisha and Hanifah Naamala Sengendo.
Congratulating the officials on their appointments, Justice Zeija reminded them that membership of the commission demands high moral character and proven integrity, as stipulated in the Constitution.
“A person is not qualified to be appointed a member of the commission unless he or she is of high moral character and proven integrity. And I emphasise those two: high moral character and proven integrity,” he said.
He added that the constitutional requirement was deliberate because the commission plays a central role in transforming the public service.
Justice Zeija cautioned the officials against taking their appointments for granted, saying they would be held accountable for their conduct and performance. He urged them to familiarise themselves with the constitutional provisions governing their offices, including the circumstances under which they could be removed.
He also challenged the commission to promote a performance-oriented culture in public offices, saying government employees should demonstrate value for the salaries they earn through effective execution of their duties.
Drawing on his experience in the private sector, the Chief Justice said employees were assigned key performance indicators against which their performance was assessed, with those who failed to meet targets placed on performance improvement plans.
“In the private sector, you must deliver. In fact, we would give key performance indicators to any person recruited, and if you fail to achieve your targets, we would put you on a performance improvement plan. If you fail to achieve that, some of them actually will dismiss themselves. People must earn their salaries,” he said.
Justice Zeija expressed concern about public officers who report to work but fail to perform their assigned duties, urging the commission to strengthen accountability and ensure that public servants meet their responsibilities.
He also raised concern over alleged bribery and other improper practices in some district service commissions, particularly during recruitment.
The Chief Justice urged the PSC to strengthen supervision of district service commissions and ensure that recruitment processes and personnel decisions are conducted fairly, transparently and in accordance with the law.
He said effective oversight of the district-level bodies was essential to restoring public confidence in public service appointments and ensuring that qualified candidates were selected on merit rather than through corrupt practices.
