Kampala: The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumumanya, has issued a stern warning to corrupt officials involved in extorting money from job applicants, insisting that government jobs are free and should never be commercialised.
Speaking during an exclusive interview at Workers House in Kampala on Wednesday, Mr. Kumumanya raised a red flag over increasing cases of bribery, abuse of office, and manipulation of recruitment processes within District and City Service Commissions across the country.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the Ministry has continued to receive reports from anti-corruption agencies highlighting illegal recruitment practices where desperate job seekers are allegedly asked to pay money in exchange for government employment opportunities.
“The Ministry has been receiving inspection reports and complaints concerning abuse of office and illegal charging of job applicants during recruitment exercises,” Mr. Kumumanya said.
CORRUPTION UNDERMINING SERVICE DELIVERY
Mr. Kumumanya warned that corruption in recruitment systems is undermining the credibility and effectiveness of decentralised governance structures established by government.
He noted that the illegal sale of jobs compromises merit-based recruitment and denies qualified Ugandans equal opportunities to serve in public offices.
“This has compromised the effective and efficient performance of District and City Service Commissions, thereby frustrating the aspirations of decentralised governance,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary observed that despite several interventions and guidance issued to local government leaders, some officials continue to engage in malpractice during recruitment exercises.
TOUGH ACTION AGAINST ERRANT OFFICIALS
Mr. Kumumanya directed Chief Administrative Officers, Town Clerks, City Clerks, Municipal Councils, and political leaders to take immediate action against officials implicated in corruption and recruitment irregularities.
He further called upon mayors and district leaders to closely monitor the operations of District and City Service Commissions and ensure transparency in recruitment processes.
“The results are not commensurate with the magnitude of efforts government has put in place to fight corruption,” he said.
According to the Ministry, technical officers found guilty of soliciting bribes or manipulating recruitment procedures will face disciplinary sanctions under the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders and other legal frameworks.
PUBLIC SERVICE CODE OF CONDUCT EMPHASISED
Mr. Kumumanya reminded all public officers that the Public Service Code of Conduct and Ethics prohibits officials from receiving gifts, money, or favours intended to influence recruitment decisions.
He warned that any officer who solicits money from job seekers is acting illegally and risks severe punishment.
“Any public officer who accepts or solicits inducements in exchange for jobs is in breach of the Public Service Code of Conduct and should be sanctioned,” he warned.
The Ministry also directed local governments to submit reports regarding recruitment exercises to relevant oversight authorities for further scrutiny.
‘GOVERNMENT JOBS ARE FREE’
In one of the strongest declarations, Mr. Kumumanya emphasised that recruitment into public service is completely free of charge.
“The recruitment into District Public Service is a free service. Giving, promising, or offering anything to influence members of District Service Commissions is illegal,” he stressed.
He further instructed all District and City Service Commissions to ensure that every job advertisement clearly indicates that government jobs are free and should not attract any payments.
PUBLIC URGED TO REPORT BRIBERY
The Permanent Secretary encouraged the public and all job applicants to report corrupt officials demanding bribes to the relevant government agencies.
Among the institutions tasked to handle such cases include:
Inspectorate of Government (IGG)
State House Anti-Corruption Unit
Resident District Commissioners (RDCs)
Ministry of Local Government
Other law enforcement agencies
“Anyone demanding a bribe from job applicants should immediately be reported for action,” Mr. Kumumanya emphasised.
CONCLUSION
The warning by Mr. Ben Kumumanya sends a strong message to corrupt officials exploiting unemployed Ugandans through illegal recruitment schemes.
As government intensifies the fight against corruption, local government authorities are now under pressure to restore integrity, fairness, and transparency within public service recruitment systems.
For thousands of Ugandans searching for employment, the Ministry’s message.
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