KAGENYI LUKKA: Government Jobs Including RDCs Are Not for Sale

The public service is the engine of our nation. From the village health worker, to the teacher in the classroom, to the Resident District Commissioner coordinating government programs in the district, every public office exists to serve the people of Uganda.

Yet in recent years, a dangerous rumor has spread in communities across the country: that government jobs, especially political appointments like RDCs, are “for sale.” That you must know someone, pay someone, or have “connections” to be considered. This belief is not only false. It is harmful. It discourages qualified Ugandans, breeds corruption, and undermines trust in government.

As public servants, it is our duty to set the record straight:
Government jobs, including the office of RDC, are not for sale.

1. What the Law and Policy Say
Appointment to public office in Uganda is guided by the Constitution, the Public Service Act, and the NRM Manifesto of service and merit. For public service jobs, recruitment is done by the Public Service Commission and District Service Commissions through open advertisement, interviews, and shortlisting based on qualifications.

For political appointments such as Resident District Commissioners, Deputy RDCs, and Assistant RDCs, the process is guided by His Excellency the President, in coordination with the Minister for Presidency. The President, as the appointing authority, makes the final appointments.

At no point in this process is money a requirement. Any person who tells you to pay money for a government job is lying, and they are committing a crime.

2. The Role of Leadership in Clearing the Air
This misconception has persisted for too long because it was not confronted openly. That is why I wish to sincerely thank Hon. Minister for Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, for severally coming out publicly to clarify that RDC jobs are not for sale.

She has consistently told Ugandans that no one should pay money to anyone promising an RDC appointment. She has directed that any such cases be reported to police and to her office. Her clear and repeated communication has helped to protect young people and party cadres from fraudsters who prey on hope and desperation.

Such leadership is what we need. When leaders speak with one voice, the public gets clarity and the conmen lose space to operate.

3. The Damage Caused by “Job Selling” Rumors
When people believe that jobs are sold, three things happen:

First, qualified people stay away. A graduate with good papers but no money concludes “I have no chance” and does not even apply. We lose talent.

Second, corruption is normalized. Some people are cheated and lose their savings to fraudsters. Others who manage to pay, once in office, feel entitled to “recover” their money through abuse of office.

Third, public trust erodes. Citizens start to believe that government does not care about merit or service, but only about money. That is a direct attack on the NRM principle of service to the people.

We cannot build the Uganda we want on foundations of bribery and deceit.

4. How Appointments Are Actually Done
From experience in the field, here is how it works in practice:
1. Vetting: Background checks are done on integrity, academic documents, and track record in community service.

2. Shortlisting and Approval: A list is compiled and submitted through proper channels for consideration by the appointing authority.
3. Deployment and Induction: Those appointed are deployed and taken through induction on their role of monitoring government programs and mobilizing the population.

At every stage, the focus is on competence, character, and commitment to service. Not money.

5. What Citizens and Leaders Must Do
A. Citizens: Do not pay anyone. If someone asks you for money for a government job, record the details and report to police, ISO, or the Office of the RDC. Protect yourself and others.
B. Local Leaders: Use barazas, radio, and community meetings to spread this message. Tell parents, youth, and job seekers the truth.
C. Public Servants: Lead by example. Be transparent. Treat every applicant fairly.
D. Media and CSOs: Help us amplify the correct information and expose fraudsters.

6. The Way Forward: Merit and Service
President Museveni has repeatedly emphasized that government must be built on merit and service. Uganda has too many challenges of poverty, unemployment, and service delivery to waste offices on people who bought their way in.

We need RDCs and public servants who understand government programs like PDM, Emyooga, and Parish Model. We need people who can mobilize communities, fight corruption, and ensure that government services reach the last person.

That can only happen if we protect the integrity of the recruitment and appointment process.

Let me repeat it clearly: Government jobs, including RDCs, are not for sale.

To every young person in Kawempe, in Kampala, and across Uganda: study hard, serve your community, be disciplined, and apply through the right channels. Your qualifications and character are your application.

To the fraudsters: stop deceiving Ugandans. The long arm of the law will catch up with you.

I once again thank Hon. Minister Milly Babirye Babalanda for her boldness in addressing this issue. Her voice has given hope to many and has protected many from being swindled.

A government that works for all of us must be built on truth, merit, and service. And that starts with how we recruit those who serve.

_The writer is the Deputy RCC Kampala City – Kawempe Division_

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