Over One-Third Of Public Servants Secured Jobs Through Bribes, IG Study Shows
Aug. 20, 2025
The
Inspectorate of Government (IG) has revealed that job seekers in Uganda’s local
governments paid at least UGX 29 billion in bribes between 2018 and 2022 to
secure public service jobs.
The
findings were released on Wednesday at Hotel Africana during the launch of a
report assessing the cost and extent of corruption in recruitment by District
Service Commissions.
According
to the report, job applicants were asked for bribes ranging from UGX 3 million
for lower-level positions such as nursing assistants and Grade III primary
teachers, to as much as UGX 50 million for senior roles like heads of
department.
In
total, the IG estimated that job seekers were asked for UGX 78 billion in
bribes over the five-year period.
The
Secretary to the Inspectorate of Government, Mrs. Rose N. Kafeero, said the
objective of the study was not only to expose the problem but to mobilize
stakeholders to find lasting solutions that will restore public trust and
meritocracy in recruitment.
IGG
Hon. Beti Kamya Turwomwe noted that more than 35 percent of public service
workers admitted to paying bribes to secure their jobs.
“Some
even take out loans to pay these bribes, hoping to recover the money through
kickbacks once employed,” she said. She added that the IG’s new strategy includes
tracing assets acquired through corrupt practices and recovering them.
District
and Cities Chairpersons’ Association head, Rev. James Awanyi, welcomed the
report and called for tougher action. “We request a ‘name and shame’ list of
corrupt commission members and recognition of incorruptible officials to
encourage integrity,” he said.
Brig
Gen Henry Isoke, the Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, confirmed
that job-selling remains widespread across districts. He urged faster rollout
of the e-recruitment system to curb human interference.
Permanent
Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, emphasized
the need for citizens to report incidents. “Our biggest challenge is that
people witness these acts but fail to report them, depriving us of the evidence
needed to prosecute,” he said.
From
the Ministry of Public Service, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Catherine
Bitarakwate Musingwire, flagged cases where commission minutes were altered to
include names of individuals who had not been interviewed. She said automation
of recruitment would close such loopholes.
The
Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, delivering a speech on behalf of
H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, reiterated government’s commitment to
reforms.
She
called for automation of recruitment processes to reduce corruption and urged
agencies to act on the findings.
The
report adds to growing calls for transparency in public service recruitment,
with stakeholders agreeing that technology, accountability and civic vigilance
are central to restoring fairness in Uganda’s hiring systems.