Government to roll out E-recruitment system to curb extortion in public service jobs

Masindi: The Government of Uganda is set to roll out an electronic recruitment system aimed at curbing corruption and extortion in the recruitment of civil servants.

The development was revealed by Grace Mary Mugasa, the Minister State for Public Service while addressing the media after presiding over belated Women’s Day celebrations for Masindi District held at Karujubu Primary School playgrounds on Tuesday, April 28, 2025.

Mugasa said rampant corruption and extortion in public service recruitment prompted the government to introduce the E-Recruitment system to promote transparency and fairness.

She noted that many job seekers have fallen victim to fraudsters, paying money but failing to secure employment.

“Many job seekers have fallen victims to fraudsters, paying money but failing to secure employment, but this system will enable job seekers to apply online and do interviews without direct interaction,” she said.

The minister also revealed that the government is advocating for salary enhancement for LC1 chairpersons, Resident District Commissioners, and other public officials. She added that teachers, including those teaching arts subjects, are being considered in the next financial year.

Mugasa further challenged women to embrace government programmes and invest wisely to reduce domestic violence and improve household incomes.

Dr. Florence Asiimwe, the Masindi District Woman Member of Parliament urged women to form Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) to benefit from government initiatives such as the Uganda Women Entrepreneurship Programme, Emyooga Programme, and the Parish Development Model.

Asiimwe said she has already secured bursaries for a number of needy children and appealed to fellow legislators to support the initiative. “I have secured bursaries for a number of children, both boys and girls, and I appeal to fellow legislators to support my initiative,” she said.

Aled Ronald Akugizibwe, the Buruli County MP expressed concern over the high rate of school dropouts and child labour, attributing it to poverty.

“Many learners start Primary One, but few complete Primary Seven. This has been attributed to poverty and child labour, as many parents cannot afford to support their children,” he said.

He urged parents and guardians to keep children in school.

Asiimwe further encouraged women to embrace programmes such as UWEP and the GROW Project to improve their household incomes. “Women should embrace government programmes such as UWEP and GROW because these initiatives are aimed at elevating them from poverty and improving household income,” she added.

Kassim Kabagonza, the Masindi District Vice Chairperson appealed to the government to increase funding for poverty alleviation programmes including GROW, PDM, and Emyooga, noting that current funding levels are insufficient to significantly uplift women.

Kabagonza also urged residents to join SACCOs to benefit from government programmes and warned parents against marrying off underage children for financial gain.

Akugizibwe further noted that many families are grappling with domestic violence but said leaders are engaging communities to resolve disputes amicably while encouraging participation in government programmes like PDM to improve household incomes.

He added that government priorities include the construction of the Masindi–Nakaseke road, expansion of electricity to rural areas, provision of piped water, and addressing inadequate school infrastructure, especially at the primary level.

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