By Ceasar Okello, Lira/ 13th June 2026
The Public Service Commission has scheduled a fact-finding mission to Lira City Council on Monday, June 15, to investigate the alleged breach of Public Service guidelines in the appointment and approval of the Chairperson of the Lira City Service Commission.
The planned stakeholders’ engagement meeting with city officials follows a petition submitted to the Commission by two cultural youth leaders challenging the appointment of Mr. Fredrick Ogwal Oyee.
On May 4, 2026, Philips Ogile Jakayo and Tonny Ogwang Bala petitioned the Office of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, alleging gross violations of established guidelines and blatant irregularities in the appointment of Mr. Ogwal Oyee.
The petitioners claimed that on March 31, 2026, Lira City Council acted contrary to the laws governing traditional and cultural leaders when it appointed Mr. Ogwal Oyee to the position.
According to Ogile and Ogwang Bala, Fredrick Ogwal Oyee is the Paramount Chief of Lango, having assumed office following the demise of the late Mzee Yosam Odur Ebii in accordance with the Constitution of the Lango Cultural Foundation.
They argue that his status as a cultural leader automatically disqualifies him from holding the position of Chairperson of the City Service Commission.
In a letter dated June 8, 2026, and signed by Dr. John Geoffrey Mbabazi, Secretary to the Public Service Commission, the Commission confirmed receipt of the petition.
Consequently, the Public Service Commission wrote to the Lira City Clerk notifying him of a fact-finding meeting scheduled for Monday.
According to the Commission, key stakeholders expected to attend the meeting include the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) of Lira City, Mayor Sam Atul, the Secretary of the City Service Commission, members of the City Service Commission, the Clerk to Council, and the petitioners together with their lawyers.
Section 11 of the Institutions of Traditional or Cultural Leaders Act, 2023, prohibits traditional or cultural leaders from holding any government or public office while serving in their cultural capacities.
Fredrick Ogwal Oyee has on several occasions been seen enthroning clan leaders and issuing official correspondence in his capacity as the Paramount Chief of the Lango Cultural Foundation.