Uganda’s Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has welcomed the arrest of members of the Kayunga District Service Commission over allegations of selling government jobs, describing the practice as a serious abuse of public trust that undermines merit-based recruitment and public service delivery.
“I commend the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and all security agencies for their decisive action in arresting members of the Kayunga District Service Commission over allegations of selling government jobs,” Barugahara said. “Selling public jobs is a betrayal of the people. It denies qualified Ugandans equal opportunities, undermines merit, and compromises service delivery, as those who buy positions often prioritise recovering their money instead of serving the public. This should serve as a clear warning to all public officers: corruption will not be tolerated.”
The minister said the government remained committed to ensuring that District Service Commissions conduct recruitment with integrity, transparency and fairness, adding that public employment should be based solely on merit.
Barugahara also urged Ugandans to report suspected cases of corruption, saying public participation was essential in restoring confidence in government institutions.
He encouraged citizens to report corruption directly to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit through its toll-free hotline, 0800 202500.
The arrests come amid intensified anti-corruption efforts by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working alongside other security agencies, targeting alleged abuse of office and irregular recruitment practices in local governments. District Service Commissions are legally mandated to recruit, confirm, discipline and oversee staff in local governments, making integrity in their operations critical to the delivery of public services across Uganda.
Allegations of bribery and the sale of public jobs have long been cited as a challenge in Uganda’s public sector, with authorities repeatedly pledging to strengthen accountability and ensure equal access to government employment opportunities.
