(KAMPALA) – The Chairperson of the Rakai District Service Commission, Mpuga David, has been charged with three counts of corruption after allegedly soliciting and accepting a bribe to secure a job for a candidate. Mpuga appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court on October 8, 2024, where the charges were formally read against him.
According to the Anti-Corruption Unit of the State House, Mpuga is accused of soliciting UGX 20 million from a job candidate, promising to secure the individual a position as an Agricultural Officer in Rakai District. The charges come after a collaborative investigation by the Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Mpuga’s arrest followed numerous public complaints, particularly from Rakai residents, who reported his alleged involvement in consistently demanding bribes from candidates seeking employment. The reports were submitted to the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Rakai, prompting the authorities to act.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the accused had been involved in similar incidents, demanding bribes for every available vacancy within the district service. His actions raised significant concerns about the integrity of the hiring process within Rakai District.
The court remanded Mpuga until October 14, 2024, when the next hearing will take place. If found guilty, he could face severe penalties under Uganda’s anti-corruption laws.
The Anti-Corruption Unit emphasized its commitment to cracking down on corrupt individuals in public offices and called on members of the public to continue exposing such practices. The Unit reaffirmed its partnership with law enforcement and judicial authorities to ensure accountability and transparency in public service.
