Three top officials in Mpigi District, including the district chairperson, have been arrested for allegedly taking bribes in exchange for public service jobs—highlighting a broader concern over corruption in local government hiring.
Those arrested are Martin Ssejjemba, the district chairperson; Fredrick Kirumira, who heads the District Service Commission; and the commission’s secretary, Sarah Nakamoga. The trio is accused of soliciting bribes from job applicants, reportedly ranging from Shs50,000 to Shs15 million, often disguised as “tokens of appreciation.”
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The arrests were carried out by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit following complaints raised by local journalists during a June 17 meeting with President Museveni at State Lodge Nakasero. The President directed Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke to investigate the claims, prompting a swift response from anti-corruption detectives who launched inquiries in the district starting June 23.
Preliminary findings point to a systematic extortion scheme targeting applicants for government jobs, with candidates allegedly pressured to pay before or after interviews—or risk losing their opportunity altogether. The suspects were detained after recording statements at Mpigi Police Station and later transported to Kampala Central Police Station.
Unit spokesperson Mariam Natasha confirmed they are set to appear in court next week. More arrests are anticipated as investigations widen.
The case has once again spotlighted persistent corruption in district service commissions across Uganda, fueling renewed public outcry and calls for reform in local government recruitment processes.
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