Officials from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working jointly with the Uganda Police in Mitooma District, have arrested several district officials over allegations of selling government jobs and extorting money from applicants during the recent and ongoing local government recruitment exercises.
Those arrested include the Mitooma District Chief Administrative Officer, Mrs. Nakityo Joanita, District Health Officer Mr. Mugisha Sadic, Chairperson of the District Service Commission Mr. Tugume Sam Karakuza, and Senior Education Officer Mr. Nabimanya Richard. Authorities say more suspects are still on the run.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Mrs. Nakityo allegedly interfered with the work of the District Service Commission by assuming responsibilities legally reserved for the commission. These included scheduling interviews and selecting technical advisors for the recruitment process. She is also accused of influencing the scoring of candidates through the Commission Chairperson.
Investigators further allege that Mr. Tugume extorted money from at least 23 job applicants, demanding amounts ranging between UGX 7 million and UGX 25 million while promising them employment in the ongoing recruitment process.
The District Health Officer, Mr. Mugisha Sadic, is also accused of influence peddling to ensure that specific candidates were shortlisted and awarded unusually high interview scores. Investigations show that two candidates reportedly scored 48 out of 50 during the recruitment exercise. Authorities also allege that Mugisha leaked interview questions and answers to selected applicants, giving them an unfair advantage over other candidates.
Mr. Nabimanya Richard, the Senior Education Officer, is alleged to have participated in influence peddling by contacting the District Service Commission Chairperson to secure favourable interview assessments for some education officers.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Owarimpa Esther, a Parish Chief and LC3 Councillor for Kashenshero Sub-county in Mitooma District, is among the suspects currently on the run. She is accused of extorting money from job seekers while falsely promising them employment.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing and that corruption-related charges are expected to be filed against the suspects in the coming days.
The public has been urged to report any incidents of bribery or extortion linked to recruitment processes to the relevant authorities.
