Lamwo district council has approved the nomination of Abalo Getrude as the Urban Council representative on the District Service Commission (DSC), pending final endorsement by the Ministry of Public Service.
The move is expected to strengthen the commission’s capacity at a critical time when the district faces a tight deadline to utilise over shs2 billion allocated for staff recruitment.
Abalo, a resident of Lamwo town council, brings more than two decades of professional experience in public service, particularly in the fisheries and education sectors. Her extensive background was a key factor cited by district leaders in endorsing her appointment.
Presenting her name before council, Lamwo district chairperson Oyet Sisto Ocen emphasised that her qualifications and leadership experience make her well-suited to support the DSC in executing its mandate.
“The qualifications and experience of Abalo Getrude will help the District Service Commission to effectively deliver on its mandate and ensure that the right personnel are recruited for the district,” Ocen said.
Abalo’s career spans several senior roles. She served as a Fisheries Officer under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries from 1994 to 2005.
She later transitioned into academia, working as a lecturer at the Fisheries Training Institute in Entebbe under the Ministry of Education and Sports’ Department of Business, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (BTVET) from 2005 to 2008.
She subsequently rose through leadership positions at the same institute, serving as Principal between 2008 and 2010 under the Ministry of Education and Sports, and later from 2010 to 2022 under the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
She currently serves as director of Kitgum Agricultural Institute in Kitgum Municipality.
Her nomination aligns with guidance from the Ministry of Public Service, which requires gender balance on District Service Commissions. According to Ocen, the directive stipulates that at least two women must be part of the DSC board.
“The constitution of the commission is guided by the Ministry of Public Service, which requires gender balance. With this appointment, we are ensuring compliance while also strengthening the technical capacity of the board,” he added.
Once approved by the Ministry, Abalo will join a five-member commission chaired by Olal Collins Atima. Other members include Oyika Ben (representing persons with disabilities), Joro Beatrice Okwee (women representative), and Olwar Akwilino (member).
The nomination was formally moved by Owor Justine, Councillor representing Palabek Kal town council, and seconded by Obale Robinson, Councillor for Lamwo town council. Council members largely welcomed the appointment, describing it as timely and well-considered.
Erwondo Peter Fred, councillor for Agoro sub-county and secretary for education, health and community-based services, noted that the composition of the commission reflects inclusivity and balance.
“The appointment of members to the District Service Commission is balanced and considerate of representation. This is what we need to ensure fairness and efficiency in service delivery,” Erwondo said.
Lamwo district speaker James Ochola also underscored the importance of having a fully constituted and functional DSC, particularly at a time when the district urgently needs to fill critical staffing gaps.
“Council has fulfilled its role by approving a competent candidate. What remains is for the Ministry of Public Service to expedite the process so that the commission becomes fully operational,” Ochola stated.
“We have serious gaps in staffing across departments, and a functional DSC is essential to address these challenges.”
The urgency surrounding the DSC’s full constitution is tied to the district’s recruitment plans. Lamwo Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Chuna Moses Kapolon, revealed that the district has over shs2 billion allocated for recruitment under the current financial year.
However, he warned that the funds could be returned to the national treasury if the recruitment process is not completed before the close of the financial year in June.
“We have more than shs2 billion available for recruitment. If we do not complete the process before June, the funds will be reverted to the national treasury,” Kapolon cautioned.
“This is why the approval and operationalisation of the District Service Commission is critical at this moment.”
Kapolon emphasised that the recruitment exercise is essential for improving service delivery in key sectors such as education, health, and administration, where staffing gaps have persisted.
“We need qualified personnel in our schools, health facilities, and administrative units. Without a fully functional commission, we cannot legally and effectively carry out recruitment,” he added.
The legal framework guiding the composition of District Service Commissions is outlined under Section 61 of the Local Government Act, Cap 138.
The law requires that members must be of high moral character, possess at least 10 years of working experience, be residents of the district, and hold a minimum qualification of an Advanced Certificate of Education.
Chairperson Ocen affirmed that Abalo meets all the statutory requirements and brings added value through her extensive leadership and technical experience.
“The candidate meets all the legal requirements and has demonstrated capacity through her long service in government institutions. She has the qualities needed to serve this district effectively,” he said.
As Lamwo district awaits final approval from the Ministry of Public Service, leaders remain optimistic that the new composition of the District Service Commission will enable the district to proceed with long-awaited recruitment and strengthen public service delivery.
The coming weeks are expected to be critical, as the district races against time to operationalise the commission and absorb the available wage bill before the financial year deadline.
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