Mbale District Service Commission Chairman Summoned by Equal Opportunities Commission Over Alleged Irregular Recruitment of District Education Officer

Mbale, Uganda – The Chairman of the Mbale District Service Commission has been summoned to appear before the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) on Wednesday, 28th April 2026 at 10:00 a.m. for allegedly failing to comply with the Commission’s orders halting the recruitment process for the position of District Education Officer. 

The summons, dated 27th April 2026 and signed by Hon. Habibu Sseruwagi, Presiding Member of the EOC, references complaint EOC/ER/085/2026 filed by Khauka Paddy against the Mbale District Local Government and its District Service Commission.

According to the official letter from the EOC, the Commission issued lawful directives under Section 15 of the Equal Opportunities Commission Act, Cap. 7, directing the District Service Commission to halt interviews and/or recruitment for the District Education Officer position pending the determination of the complaint. 

The EOC expressed concern over the alleged non-compliance with these orders.

The summons warns that failure to appear without reasonable cause may result in the Commission proceeding in the chairman’s absence and taking appropriate legal action, including possible contempt proceedings that could lead to imprisonment.“TAKE NOTICE that you are hereby summoned to appear before the Equal Opportunities Commission... to show cause why you should not be committed to prison for contempt of the Commission’s Orders,” the letter states.

The development comes amid ongoing sensitivities around recruitment in Mbale’s education sector. In recent years, the area has seen related controversies, including the interdiction of a previous education officer and EOC interventions in Mbale City’s recruitment processes for similar positions. 

The EOC is mandated to eliminate discrimination and ensure equal opportunities in public service recruitment and employment across Uganda. Non-compliance with its directives is treated seriously.As of the time of this report, the Mbale District Service Commission had not issued an official response to the summons. 

The Chairman is expected to appear at the EOC premises in Kampala on the specified date.Freeman News UG will continue to follow this matter and provide updates as more details emerge regarding the substance of the complaint by Khauka Paddy and the status of the recruitment exercise.

This story is based on the official summons document issued by the Equal Opportunities Commission.