The High Court in Uganda has dismissed an application filed by Adrati Bill challenging Arua City Council’s decision to renew the term of its City Service Commission members. Adrati had sued Arua City Council, former Mayor Wadri Sam Nyakua, and City Speaker Yako Teddy Gloria, seeking declarations that the decision to convene an extraordinary council meeting to approve the renewal of the commission members was unlawful, irrational, and made without following the required procedures.
In his application, Adrati described the extraordinary council sitting as unjust, illegal, arbitrary, and influenced by political interference and corruption. He alleged that the meeting was pushed by former Mayor Wadri Sam Nyakua, who he claimed influenced the council and the Speaker to convene the sitting to approve the renewal of the City Service Commission.
Adrati also raised concerns over alleged corruption and tribalism in the recruitment process, arguing that renewing the commission members’ term would allow the alleged irregularities to continue. However, Arua City Council proceeded to reappoint four members of the City Service Commission for another four-year term after their previous mandate expired on February 28, 2026.
Delivering the ruling, Lady Justice Harriet Grace Magala dismissed the application, saying it lacked merit and that there was no evidence showing that the council violated principles of natural justice or acted irrationally. “This court has perused the Affidavit supporting this Application and the Affidavit in Rejoinder. There is no evidence that the approval of the renewal of the term of the members of the Arua City Service Commission was unreasonable and irrational,” Justice Magala stated.
In the 25-page ruling dated June 25, 2026, and delivered electronically, the judge dismissed the application and ordered each party to bear its own costs. The court also noted that the appointment and renewal process was undertaken after the first term of the commission members had expired and found no evidence of illegality in the process. By the time of filing this report, Adrati was unavailable for comment despite efforts by Uganda Radio Network to reach him.Arua City Council Speaker Yako Teddy Gloria welcomed the ruling, saying the council acted within the law when it renewed the term of the commission members.
The reappointed members include Commission Chairperson Night Ajio, Richard Anguyo representing Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), Johnson S.K. Drani as Secretary, and Munid Ayuma as a member. Grace Tiperu, who replaced the late Margaret Angufiru in November 2025, was also retained as a member. The Local Government Act provides for the establishment of Service Commissions as independent bodies responsible for appointing and managing local government officers, among another functions-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
