Stop Corruption Before It Enters the Government Payroll-Kumumanya

Uganda’s Battle to Stop Corruption Before It Enters the Government Payroll

By Brian Mugenyi

KAMPALA, UGANDA — A government job can be the difference between a functioning health centre and one struggling to serve patients; between a classroom with a teacher and one left empty; between citizens trusting public institutions and losing faith in them.

But behind every vacant position, every delayed service and every missing professional lies a silent battle fought far from public attention — the battle over who enters government payrolls and how they get there.

Now, Uganda’s Ministry of Local Government has moved to close the cracks through which corruption enters public service, warning that bribery, nepotism, sexual favours and political interference in recruitment processes will no longer be tolerated.

At the centre of this reform drive is Permanent Secretary Mr. Ben Kumumanya, whose July 10, 2026 directive seeks to restore integrity, merit and accountability in Uganda’s decentralised recruitment system.

In a circular referenced ADM/92/01, addressed to District Chairpersons and City Mayors, Mr. Kumumanya reminded leaders that Local Government recruitment must be guided by Uganda’s Constitution and the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138.

“As you are aware, Local Government Service Commissions are established under Article 198 (1) of the 1995 Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 59 of the Local Governments Act, Cap. 138,” he stated.

He added that Section 60 (1) of the Act gives Local Government Service Commissions powers to appoint, confirm, discipline and remove officers within district and urban councils.

However, he warned that these powers must be exercised based on ethics, integrity, meritocracy, transparency, accountability, fairness and impartiality.

The Permanent Secretary expressed concern over continued allegations of corruption in Local Government recruitment, including demands for bribes, nepotism and sexual favours in exchange for employment.

“These practices are totally unacceptable and must be dealt with as stipulated under the relevant laws and regulations,” Mr. Kumumanya directed.

He also questioned why some Local Governments continue returning wage funds despite approved staffing needs, saying responsible officers must explain such failures.

“It has been reported time and again that Local Governments return wage funds that have already been appropriated. This must be explained, and whoever is responsible for this commission or omission should be held accountable and disciplined,” he said.

Mr. Kumumanya further warned political leaders against interfering in recruitment processes.

“It has also been brought to our attention that some Political Leaders put pressure on District Service Commissions and City Service Commissions to recruit people outside the established processes and proceedings. This is illegal and should stop wherever it is happening,” he cautioned.

The directive requires leaders to conduct due diligence on members of Service Commissions, monitor compliance with ethical principles, investigate corruption allegations and remove commissioners involved in misconduct.

For Local Governments, the reforms are closely linked to service delivery.

Makindye Ssabagabo Town Clerk Mr. Moses Otimong said recruitment integrity is essential because public institutions can only perform when they have competent personnel.

He revealed that the municipality’s health sector staffing level currently stands at 48 per cent of the approved establishment.

“Recruitment reforms are important because we must fill critical vacancies with competent and dependable professionals if we are to meet the growing demand for services,” Mr. Otimong said.

He added that recruiting the right people improves healthcare, education, infrastructure and other government services.

At Bukakata Seed Secondary School, Head Teacher Mr. Emmy Kasule said education institutions also depend on transparent and merit-based recruitment.

“An institution can have modern facilities, but without competent and committed staff, achieving the desired results becomes difficult. Recruitment must always focus on merit and professionalism,” Mr. Kasule said.

Uganda’s decentralisation system was created to bring services closer to citizens. However, its success depends on the quality and integrity of the people managing public institutions.

Mr. Kumumanya’s directive therefore represents a wider battle — protecting the recruitment gate before corruption enters the system.

The fight against corruption must begin before public money is lost — by ensuring that the right people enter government service through the right process, for the right reasons.

The post Stop Corruption Before It Enters the Government Payroll-Kumumanya appeared first on Watchdog Uganda.