Alebtong, Uganda: The Alebtong District Service Commission is under investigation following allegations of bribery and recruitment irregularities that have left qualified graduates sidelined from government jobs.
At the center of the controversy are claims that applicants are being asked to pay bribes to secure employment, only to later be dropped from recruitment lists without explanation.
During a community engagement meeting organized by the Inspectorate of Government (IG), Deputy Resident District Commissioner (D/RDC) Mathias Lutwama confirmed receiving several complaints, including a case involving a UGX 4 million bribe allegedly paid to the commission for a position in the Agricultural Department.
“In the latest recruitment, we received a case of bribery where a lady paid UGX 4 million to the Alebtong Service Commission for a job in the Agricultural Department but later did not get the job,” Lutwama revealed.
He added that in several cases, candidates who passed interviews were not included on published lists, suggesting systematic irregularities.
“So as we were netting down the suspect, I think they had their secret negotiation, and the money was refunded. Now the challenge we are facing is that when a person goes and pays money, they do not even alert security but eventually raise complaints later,” Lutwama added.
Residents say the situation has left families financially drained and disillusioned.
“Many families spend all their resources to educate children, but after completing their studies, these people cannot find jobs as they are required to pay for them,” said Robert Obira, a resident of Alebtong Town Council.
In his defence, Amos Omal Odur, Chairperson of the District Service Commission, denied the accusations and blamed external actors for allegedly impersonating commission officials to extort money.
“It is possible that some people outside use our names and collect money on the basis that they will come and distribute it with us. But frankly, I am telling you that my commission, me as the chairperson of the service commission, has never accepted a bribe, and never shall we,” said Odur.
The Inspectorate of Government has since launched formal investigations into the allegations, including non-publication of recruitment lists and broader malpractice trends in district-level hiring.
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