Zombo councillors call for sensitization over allegations of government job sales

Zombo: Councillors in Zombo District have recommended massive sensitization campaigns to address widespread allegations of the sale of government jobs in the district.

The recommendation was tabled by the Social Services Committee during the presentation of the first-quarter performance report for the 2024/25 financial year at the Zombo District Headquarters.

Sadiki Onencan, the District Councillor for Paidha Town Council and Chairperson of the Social Services Committee, raised concerns over persistent claims that government jobs in Zombo are being sold.

“On allegations that jobs are being sold in Zombo, the committee recommends massive community sensitization by all key stakeholders. People should be informed that jobs in Zombo are not for sale, and anyone engaging in such acts should be reported to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), LCV Chairperson, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), or any District Councillor,” Onencan stated.

He further proposed that public notices be placed in key locations to caution residents against paying for jobs.

“Everywhere, people are saying that it is easier to get jobs in Zombo as long as you have money whether you qualify or not. This perception must be corrected,” he added.

David Bithum, the District Councillor for Abanga Sub-County, urged the district leadership to act swiftly to protect the reputation of the Zombo District Service Commission.

Meanwhile, Nasis Binwengi, the workers’ representative and Chairperson of the Finance Committee, supported the recommendation for community sensitization, calling it a pre-emptive measure.

“People, even in Kampala, are complaining about us. If there is truly job buying happening, the council is taking a precautionary measure. Such practices damage the reputation of our employees and the council itself. This matter even reached the Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG) when she visited here,” Binwengi explained.

These serious allegations arise as the district is in the process of recruiting employees for various positions.

However, Zombo LCV Chairperson, James Oruna Oyullu, urged councillors to base their recommendations on evidence rather than hearsay.

“If people are selling jobs, and we are in the recruitment process, let the committee bring evidence, not just rumors. This issue is not unique to Zombo; even the Ministry of Public Service is concerned. If you have proof such as pictures of someone taking bribes bring it forward,” Oyullu emphasized.

Sam Kumakech, an aspirant for the Okoro County MP seat, used a press conference at Daudi Cotts to demand a thorough investigation into the allegations of job sales in Zombo.

Meanwhile, Festus Ayikobua, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Zombo, highlighted high levels of corruption in the district during his recent assessment of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Otheko Parish, Paidha Sub-County.

“Some of your children are the ones failing this district. We will stamp out corruption, but we need a strong partnership between the community and the leadership,” Ayikobua stated.

National Context: A Widespread Issue

Between 2020 and 2022, the Inspectorate of Government (IG) Directorate of Ombudsman Affairs received over 225 cases of irregular recruitment by district service commissions across Uganda.

The Inspector General of Government (IGG), Betty Kamya, recently revealed that numerous cases of job sales at the local government level have been investigated, leading to the apprehension of several culprits.

“Selling public jobs is an injustice that denies qualified individuals the opportunity to serve their country. It leads to incompetence, loss of public funds, poor service delivery, and increased poverty,” Kamya warned.

Recently, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni criticized District Service Commissions nationwide, accusing them of taking bribes and sexually exploiting young women in exchange for government jobs.

The President urged Ugandans to provide evidence so that the perpetrators can be brought to justice.

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