Controversy Looms as District Cancels Production Officer Interview at Last Minute

NAMISINDWA: There was widespread disappointment in Namisindwa District after scheduled interviews for Heads of Departments failed to take place today, Monday, following a last-minute postponement.

Applicants who had been shortlisted for various positions turned up for the interviews, only to be turned away after it was confirmed that the required technical personnel from the ministry had not shown up. However, all District Service Commission members were present.

Rehema Khatundi, the Acting Personnel Officer and Acting Secretary of the District Service Commission, stated that today was specifically scheduled for interviews for the positions of District Production Officer and Agricultural Engineer. She explained that they received apologies from the ministry-appointed technical personnel who failed to attend, though no reasons were given for their absence.

She added that after consulting with the Chief Administrative Officer, the Commission was advised to postpone the exercise.

Grace Watuwa, Chairperson of the Namisindwa District Service Commission, told our reporter in an exclusive interview that they are hopeful the interviews may resume tomorrow, Tuesday, starting with positions such as Chief Financial Officer, District Engineer, among others.

Namisindwa District Local Government had earlier advertised several key positions, including District Health Officer, District Engineer, and Chief Financial Officer, for which candidates were successfully shortlisted.

Some of the applicants, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration over the abrupt cancellation. They said the District should have communicated the postponement earlier, preferably last week, rather than waiting until the interview day.

They also alleged that the District may be intentionally sabotaging the interview process, particularly for the District Production Officer position, which has reportedly become controversial.

According to reliable sources, the District Security Committee held a meeting last week and resolved to suspend interviews for the District Production Officer post, reasons for the decision remain unclear. Today’s events appear to confirm that resolution.