Zombo District Service Commission Accused of Selling Jobs

Allegations of bribery and corruption have surfaced against the Zombo District Service Commission, casting a shadow over its recruitment processes. The District Resident Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Festus Ayikobua, has officially requested the intervention of the Inspectorate General of Government (IGG) due to numerous complaints from job seekers.

According to the RDC, his office has received credible reports of individuals being solicited for money in exchange for employment within the local government. He stated that this practice is illegal and unfairly disadvantages qualified Ugandans who lack the financial means to participate in such corrupt schemes. Unconfirmed sources indicate that the amounts demanded range from Shs700,000 to Shs3 million, depending on the specific job, with payments allegedly channeled through district technical staff.

Residents have echoed the RDC’s concerns. Mr. Felix Dai highlighted the plight of educated youth, particularly teachers from less affluent backgrounds, who are reportedly being pressured to pay bribes to secure government positions, despite their qualifications. The issue appears to be part of a broader problem, as the IGG’s regional office acknowledged similar challenges across the West Nile region.

In one documented incident from 2025, Shs3.8 million was recovered from a technical staff member after a job applicant paid it to secure a position, following a tip-off. The IGG’s office also noted that nepotism is prevalent in the region, further compromising fair employment practices.

However, the newly appointed Chairperson of the Zombo District Service Commission, Mr. Pascal Wapokira, has downplayed the allegations, assuring the public of a commitment to transparent service delivery moving forward.

For more details on this developing story, visit: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/zombo-service-commission-on-spot-for-selling-jobs-5468816