MITOOMA, Uganda — Four senior officials from Mitooma District who were arrested last week over allegations of selling government jobs have been released on bond as investigations into the matter continue.
The officials were arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force during an operation conducted in the district on Thursday, 12th March 2026.
Those arrested include Chief Administrative Officer Joanita Nakityo, District Health Officer Sadic Mugisha, Chairperson of the District Service Commission Sam Karakuza Tugume, and Senior Education Officer Richard Nabimanya.
Authorities allege that the officials were involved in an illegal scheme of soliciting money from job seekers in exchange for government employment opportunities during the district’s ongoing recruitment exercise.
According to investigators, the Chairperson of the District Service Commission, Sam Karakuza Tugume, is suspected to have extorted between UGX 7 million and UGX 25 million from at least 23 job applicants, promising them positions in the district public service.
The suspects were later released on bond as investigations continue, with authorities indicating that more arrests could follow as the probe progresses.
Investigators have also revealed that other suspects linked to the alleged scheme are still being pursued, including Esther Owarimpa, who is believed to have played a role in the recruitment-related dealings.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has in recent years intensified operations targeting corruption in public service recruitment processes, warning that individuals who solicit money in exchange for government jobs will face prosecution.
Officials urged members of the public to report any cases of bribery or extortion during recruitment exercises to the relevant authorities.
