Education Service Commission (ESC)

The Education Service Commission is established under Article 167(1) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda. Article 168(1) further outlines its functions, authority, and autonomy in fulfilling its mandate.

Vision

“Quality education delivered by efficient and effective Education Service Personnel.”

Mandate

The mandate of the Education Service Commission is to advise the President in the performance of their duties in accordance with Article 172 of the Constitution. It is responsible for appointing all personnel in the Education Service and for developing, maintaining, and improving the quality of both the personnel and the service as a whole.

Mission

“To provide professional and competent Education Service Personnel.”

Goal

To ensure the provision of professional and competent personnel within the Education Service.

Strategic Objectives

1. To enhance professional development and practice in the Education Service.
2. To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
3. To strengthen the capacity for generating and using evidence in staffing-related planning.
4. To build institutional capacity to effectively fulfill the Commission’s mandate.

Organizational Structure

The approved structure of the Commission comprises:

• Departments:
  • Education Service Department
  • Finance and Administration Department
• Support Units:
  • Policy Analysis Unit
  • Information Science Unit
  • Procurement Unit
  • Internal Audit Unit

Key Functions of the Commission

Outlined in Section 8 of the Education Service Act, 2002:

1. Advise the President on matters related to the Education Service under Article 172.
2. Appoint and confirm personnel, exercise disciplinary control, and remove individuals from office in the Education Service.
3. Review and recommend terms of service, standing orders, training, qualifications, and other welfare-related issues.
4. Report annually to Parliament on the performance of the Commission.
5. Develop national standards in areas such as:
   1. Training and qualifications
   1. Recruitment and appointment procedures
   1. Terms and conditions of service
   1. Ethics, conduct, and disciplinary control
6. Advise the Ministry of Education on:
   1. Education policy formulation
   1. Management of public officers
   1. Research, grading, and teacher registration
7. Maintain a record of all public officers in the Education Service.
8. Provide technical support, advice, and training to District Service Commissions.

Core Values

• Transparency: Decisions made openly and accountably.
• Effectiveness: Achieving results aligned with performance standards.
• Efficiency: Optimal use of available resources.
• Professionalism: Conducting duties with competence and ethics.
• Integrity: Fair and unbiased service delivery, regardless of gender, race, religion, disability, or background.

Partnerships

The ESC collaborates with the Ministry of Education and Sports and District/Local Governments to ensure quality service delivery and adherence to standards in the education sector.

Under the Education Service Act, 2002, the ESC is mandated to issue guidelines to District Service Commissions on matters including recruitment, discipline, welfare, training, deployment, and leave entitlements.

Departments and Units at ESC

1. Education Service Department

• Appoints teaching and non-teaching staff.
• Recruits staff for Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA).
• Validates appointments of secondary school and training institution staff.

2. Policy Analysis Unit

• Prepares Budget Framework Papers and Ministerial Policy Statements.
• Submits quarterly and annual performance and financial reports to relevant bodies.
• Produces annual reports on ESC key outputs.

3. Finance and Administration Department

• Prepares and submits final books of accounts and financial reports.
• Handles payroll functions and organizes workshops/meetings.

4. Procurement Unit

• Manages procurement and disposal of goods and services.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual procurement reports.
• Develops procurement plans and conducts procurement training.

5. Information Science Unit

• Supports ESC ICT functions and internet/email services.
• Manages antivirus subscriptions and centralized ICT resources.
• Maintains the ESC website and information resource center.

Opportunities

The ESC regularly advertises a wide range of job openings across the education sector.