A significant transition of power in Oyam District has been marked by a blunt and urgent warning regarding deep-rooted integrity issues within the local government. As Fredrick Herbert Kitutu stepped down from his role as Chief Administrative Officer to take up a new posting in Kwania District, he did more than just hand over his files; he issued a serious caution to his successor, Alex Felix Majembe, regarding the ethical rot allegedly surrounding the District Service Commission. During a formal ceremony held at the District Council Hall, the outgoing leader highlighted how systemic corruption and dishonest recruitment practices have effectively crippled the region’s progress and service delivery.
For three years, Kitutu navigated the complexities of Oyam, overseeing a workforce of more than two thousand civil servants. While he celebrated certain collaborative milestones, he was remarkably candid about the persistent failures that continue to haunt the district, particularly in the vital sectors of healthcare and education. He pointed directly to the District Service Commission as a primary source of these problems, alleging that recruitment processes have been tainted by favoritism, influence peddling, and blatant corruption. According to Kitutu, these irregularities have created a heavy burden for district management, as positions are often filled through backroom deals rather than merit.
The gravity of the situation was further emphasized by the Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Francis Behangana. Known locally as UPE Product, Behangana made it clear that corruption in Oyam is not merely a matter of public perception but a tangible theft of resources meant for the people. He spoke passionately about the devastating impact of public servants who ignore their duties, and he specifically called out the alleged sale of jobs and promotions. He insisted that the district can no longer afford to make excuses based on its population or size. Instead, he challenged the incoming administration to adopt an action-oriented approach that prioritizes reform and the restoration of public trust.
Adding his voice to the call for change, the District Council Speaker, Easybush Machar, identified significant weaknesses within the commission that require immediate collective intervention. He advocated for a total overhaul of how jobs are filled, demanding that every stage of the process—from the initial advertisement to the final placement—be conducted with absolute transparency and rigorous monitoring.
Accepting the mantle of leadership, the new Chief Administrative Officer, Alex Felix Majembe, acknowledged the weight of the challenges ahead. While noting that such issues with service commissions are a national concern, he committed himself to a new path for Oyam. Majembe pledged to work tirelessly with all stakeholders to clean up the recruitment process, strengthen the pillars of accountability, and ensure that the residents of Oyam finally receive the high-quality services they have long been promised. The message from the day was clear: for Oyam to move forward, the culture of corruption must be dismantled once and for all.