By John Eremu

THE 1997 Local Government Act greatly contributes to corruption in the districts, the 2003 National Integrity Survey report states.

The report launched last week recommended a wide range of amendments to the act, particularly the appointments of the District Tender Board, the District Service Commission (DSC) and the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

The survey done by K2-Consult said Section 55(2) of the Act undermines the neutrality of the DSC by vesting the appointment of its members in the District Council.

“In view of this, it is recommended that the DSC be independent and appointed by the Public Service Commission (PSC) from names submitted by the LC3 or Divisions within each district,” it stated.

The report said the appointment of the CAO by the DSC deprives the CAO of job security and makes his/her work vulnerable to political influence.

“In order to avoid such problems and to streamline the district administrations, the CAO should be appointed by the PSC on merit and should be transferable by the PSC.

“The CAO as head of public service in the district should be able to advise the DSC and the District Council without fear or favour,” the report said.

The Inspector General of Government, Jotham Tumwesigye, unveiled the report to journalists recently.