Uganda’s Public Service Commission (PSC) has begun a serious investigation into the leadership of the Lira City Service Commission. This crucial step comes after concerns were raised about the appointment of Fredrick Ogwal Oyee as the chairperson, with questions challenging if his appointment is truly legal.
The PSC received a formal complaint from citizens, Ogwang Tony Oming and Ogile Philips, through their lawyers. They argue that Mr. Ogwal Oyee’s appointment breaks the rules set by the Institution of Traditional and Cultural Leaders Act of 2023. This law clearly states that traditional and cultural leaders should not hold government jobs that involve administration, law-making, or executive powers.
The petitioners claim that Mr. Ogwal Oyee is currently acting as the ‘Won Nyaci me Lango,’ a prominent cultural leader in the Lango region. If this is true, his role as a cultural leader could clash with the duties of a City Service Commission chairperson, which needs to be completely fair and independent, especially when hiring people for public service. This potential conflict of interest is a major concern.
To get to the bottom of this, the PSC has called an important meeting for June 15, 2026, in Lira City. They’ve asked all key people involved to attend, including city officials like the Resident City Commissioner, Mayor, Town Clerk, and Council Speaker, along with the complainants and their legal team. Significantly, Mr. Ogwal Oyee has also been asked to present his school and university certificates for official checking. This shows the PSC’s commitment to gathering all necessary facts to ensure transparency and justice.
This investigation by the PSC is vital for upholding the integrity of public service appointments across Uganda. It reminds us that all appointments must follow the law, be transparent, and ensure that those in charge can serve the public without any conflicts of interest. The outcome of this inquiry will be crucial for public trust in how our cities are governed and how essential public positions are filled.