MUKONO, Uganda – The Mukono Grade One Magistrate’s Court has remanded Mubarak Sekikubo, the Nakisunga Sub-county Chairperson and Mukono South parliamentary aspirant, to Kauga Government Prison over allegations that he extorted Shs38 million from a job seeker under the pretext of securing employment within the Mukono District Local Government.
Sekikubo appeared before Grade One Magistrate Gerald Emong on Monday, charged alongside Ronald Mugerwa, Dr. Saad Wataba, and others still at large. The group is accused of obtaining money from Dr. George William Mukisa between January and June 2025.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons allegedly received the money “purportedly to secure employment for Dr. Mukisa as a medical officer through the District Service Commission,” describing the act as corrupt and fraudulent.
Sekikubo, however, denied any wrongdoing.
“I am innocent. These accusations are meant to tarnish my name because of my political ambitions,” he told the court before being led out of the dock.
Magistrate Emong remanded Sekikubo to Kauga Prison until November 4, 2025, pending further hearing. Bail was denied on grounds that preliminary investigations were still ongoing.
Prosecution informed the court that Sekikubo had been in hiding for several weeks before being arrested shortly after his nomination to contest for the Mukono South parliamentary seat.
His co-accused, Ronald Mugerwa, is already on remand at Kauga Prison, while Dr. Saad Wataba, currently serving as Acting Lugazi Municipal Medical Officer, remains at large.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) confirmed that the arrests followed a July 7, 2025 complaint from a whistleblower alleging bribery and irregular recruitment within the Mukono District Service Commission.
“We received credible information about extortion and job sales involving some district officials. Investigations are still ongoing,” said a SHACU spokesperson outside court.
President Yoweri Museveni has on several occasions warned District Service Commissions against selling government jobs, directing authorities to intensify the fight against corruption in recruitment processes.
Tension flared outside the courtroom as Sekikubo’s supporters protested his arrest, claiming the charges were politically motivated.
“This is not about corruption; it’s about silencing our candidate because he refused to support the district chairman,” said Irene Nanfuka, one of his supporters.
“We shall stand with him until justice is done.”
Sekikubo, an NRM member, is currently serving as Nakisunga Sub-county Chairperson but chose to contest for the Mukono South parliamentary seat as an independent candidate following disagreements with some NRM leaders in Mukono District.
