The Statutory Bodies Department in a District Local Government in Uganda is a crucial oversight and governance arm, distinct from the core administrative departments. While not a "department" in the traditional sense with a DPO or DEO, it typically falls under the coordination of the Clerk to Council, who acts as the primary administrative and technical support for these independent statutory entities. Its mandate is derived directly from existing legislations, primarily the Local Governments Act (Cap. 243), the Public Finance Management Act, and the Land Act.   

This "department" essentially represents and facilitates the functioning of various legally mandated bodies that are critical for ensuring accountability, transparency, good governance, and adherence to legal frameworks within the district. These bodies exercise specific powers and responsibilities independent of the day-to-day administration, providing checks and balances.   

Key statutory bodies whose functions are coordinated and supported under this department typically include:

• District Council: As the highest political authority, the department supports the Council's legislative and oversight functions, including policy formulation, approval of budgets and plans, and monitoring implementation of government programs. This involves providing secretariat services to council sittings and its various standing committees (e.g., Finance, Production, Social Services, Works, etc.).   
• District Service Commission (DSC): This independent body is responsible for human resource functions, including the appointment, confirmation, promotion, discipline, and removal of all district local government staff (excluding the Chief Administrative Officer and Deputy CAO). The department facilitates its operations to ensure merit-based and legally compliant staff management.   
• District Public Accounts Committee (DPAC): A critical oversight body, the DPAC scrutinizes the Auditor General's reports on district expenditures, ensuring accountability for public funds and value for money. The department provides administrative and logistical support for its meetings and investigations.
• District Land Board (DLB): Mandated by the Land Act, the DLB holds and manages all public land within the district. It is responsible for approving applications for land titles (leasehold and freehold), granting user rights, and ensuring sustainable land management practices. The department assists in its administrative functions and record keeping.   
• District Contracts Committee (DCC) / Procurement and Disposal Unit (PDU): While the PDU is a technical unit under Administration/Finance, the Contracts Committee is a statutory body responsible for making decisions on procurement and disposal of public assets, ensuring adherence to the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act and Regulations. The department facilitates its meetings and decision-making processes.   

Overall Mandate and Functions:

• The primary mandate of the Statutory Bodies "Department" (coordinated by the Clerk to Council) is to:
• Ensure that policy formulation and implementation decisions by the District Council are technically guided and effective.   
• Facilitate the effective and efficient management of Council activities and its committees.   
• Support the independent functioning of the various statutory boards and committees in their oversight, recruitment, land management, and accountability roles.   
• Promote transparency, accountability, and adherence to legal provisions in all district operations.   
• Monitor the implementation of comprehensive integrated Development Plans and Budgets.   
• Ensure the proper and timely procurement and disposal of public assets.   

In essence, the Statutory Bodies Department, through the coordination of the Clerk to Council, serves as the custodian of good governance, legal compliance, and checks and balances within the District Local Government, enabling the district to operate effectively and accountably for its citizens.