Major Martha Asiimwe, Head of the RDC Secretariat/Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) in the Office of the President, has called for an investigation into the Kisoro Public Service Commission due to rising allegations of corruption and mismanagement.
This message was conveyed during a mobilization meeting of district leaders, technical staff, and other dignitaries, known as Baraza, held in the Kisoro District Council hall.
At the Baraza meeting, Dr. Phillimon Mateke, the Kisoro District National Resistance Movement chairperson, expressed his dissatisfaction over rampant corruption and bribery within the public service office, where individuals have reportedly been forced to pay between 5 million and 40 million shillings to secure employment as public servants. “I know some of you are not qualified for your jobs, but because you paid a bribe of over 10 million, that’s why you are here. The Kisoro District Service Commission is very corrupt. Recently, I wanted to organize a peaceful demonstration against it, but I was stopped by the RDC and CAO, who said they would handle the issue with the elders. Up to now, I haven’t received any feedback from them,” Mateke noted.
Mateke urged the commissioners to inform the president that the people of Kisoro are struggling, despite being 100% National Resistance Movement supporters. Major Asiimwe warned corrupt officials in Kisoro, especially within the public service, that their mismanagement has led citizens to lose faith in the ruling party, which has reportedly achieved 90% of its 2021 manifesto goals for the district. “You corrupt officials are lucky I have come in a diplomatic way, but there will be a time when I will come in my army uniform, and you will all be detained. You need to be held accountable for your actions,” Asiimwe stated.
She emphasized the importance of collaboration among officials to assess the impact of key government projects for more effective service delivery. Asiimwe highlighted that collaboration leads to shared knowledge, increased resource mobilization, stronger partnerships, and improved accountability through continuous monitoring and evaluation.
Additionally, Asiimwe urged district officials to involve the media in government programs to enhance public awareness. Commissioner Fred Bamwine from the RDC Secretariat confirmed that the State House Anti-Corruption Unit will investigate the Public Service Office. He noted that the Kisoro District Service Commission requires thorough investigation based on significant concerns raised during the meeting.
Bamwine called on district officials to seek accountability across various departments to combat the high rate of corruption in the district.
He warned government employees against sabotaging program implementation and mistreating beneficiaries, stating that accountability measures will be enforced. He also encouraged district officials to organize Baraza meetings at sub-counties and town councils to address public funds mismanagement.
Despite ongoing corruption allegations against the Kisoro District Service Commission, on October 3, 2024, during a council session in the district council hall, Kisoro District LCV Chairperson Abel Bizimana proposed the extension of Nshaka Erastus’s tenure as chairperson of the District Service Commission, which was approved by the council.
Although Nshaka’s term has been marred by allegations of job-related corruption, Bizimana dismissed these accusations, asserting that they are unfounded since Nshaka and his team have never faced legal action related to this matter.
Meanwhile, Kisoro District Commissioner Hajji Badru Sebyalla accused political leaders in Kisoro of promoting corruption as a means to gain tension and power among their constituents.
