Kampala, Uganda: A whistleblower within the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has raised grave concerns over alleged nepotism, irregular recruitment, and misuse of public funds within the institution, claims that, if verified, could point to deep-rooted impunity in one of Uganda’s most important governance bodies.
According to the whistleblower, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, a senior JSC member, Mr Johnson Bitarabeho, allegedly used his influence to secure employment for his niece, Ms Lorna Nkamwesiga, as a Legal Officer at the Commission, despite an earlier Uganda Police advisory reportedly warning against her recruitment.
The allegations indicate that Mr Bitarabeho, who represents the Public Service Commission on the JSC and serves on both the Disciplinary and Search and Recruitment Committees, allegedly influenced the outcome of the recruitment process during the 2023/2024 financial year.
“Mr Bitarabeho manipulated the process and blocked a letter from the Uganda Police Force that had advised the JSC to halt Ms Nkamwesiga’s recruitment due to her alleged involvement in land-related fraud,” the whistleblower claimed.
Misconduct and Financial Irregularities
The whistleblower further alleges that once employed, Ms Nkamwesiga, working under the Education and Public Affairs Department, engaged in a pattern of unprofessional conduct and misuse of funds intended for judicial outreach and public education activities.
“Since March 2024, many staff, including drivers, complained about irregularities in workshop funds and unimplemented activities. Reports and attendance lists were falsified, and yet accountability documents were submitted as though the activities had taken place,” the source alleged.
It is also alleged that Ms Nkamwesiga works closely with Mr Samuel Mugisa, the Deputy Registrar for Education and Public Affairs, who is her immediate supervisor. The whistleblower accuses both officers of colluding to embezzle funds meant for public education campaigns.
“They operate with impunity because of her relationship with Commissioner Bitarabeho. Anyone who raises concerns faces intimidation,” the source said, adding that several internal complaints submitted earlier this year “were ignored or suppressed.”
Suppressed Investigations and Fear Among Staff
The whistleblower further claims that a Uganda Police Force investigation report into Ms Nkamwesiga’s alleged land dealings with a businessman only identified as Kamoga was never acted upon after being “blocked” at the JSC’s top level.
“The police wrote advising JSC not to proceed with her recruitment due to ongoing fraud investigations, but the letter was blocked by Mr Bitarabeho and the Head of Human Resource,” the whistleblower stated.
Inside the JSC, staff reportedly fear raising the issue publicly due to reprisals. “We have been threatened into silence,” the source noted, adding that “the situation has demoralized many employees and tainted the Commission’s image.”
Public Interest and Institutional Response
The Judicial Service Commission, located at Kingdom Kampala Building, Nile Avenue, is mandated under Article 146 of the Constitution to appoint, discipline, and promote judicial officers; a role that demands the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
The whistleblower’s appeal urges authorities to conduct a thorough forensic audit of all Education and Public Affairs Department expenditures from January 2024 onwards, alleging that billions of shillings may have been misappropriated through forged accountability reports.
The DailyExpress could not independently verify these claims at the time of publication. Efforts to obtain a comment from Mr Johnson Bitarabeho, Ms Lorna Nkamwesiga, Mr Samuel Mugisa, and the JSC Secretariat were still ongoing by press time.
But we exclusively understand that officials from the new Inspectorate of Government (IGG) and the Directorate of Ethics and Integrity have already been notified to investigate the matter further.
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