Permanent Secretary Ministry of Local Government,Ben Kumumanya, has renewed the fight against corruption in government recruitment, challenging Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Town Clerks and other local government leaders to ensure that public jobs are awarded on the basis of competence, qualifications and merit.
Employment in the Uganda civil service is managed through competitive recruitment handled by bodies like the Public Service Commission and District Service Commissions. Job openings span ministries, local governments, and judicial services, requiring specific academic credentials, national identity cards, and online application submission.
“Recruitment must be conducted according to established standards, and public positions must go to people who possess the required qualifications and competence. Government jobs must be filled by competent Ugandans — not by the highest bidder,”he stated.
The Permanent Secretary has urged citizens who are asked for money in exchange for government employment to report such cases to the relevant authorities.
Kumumanya said recruitment must follow established public service procedures rather than allowing financial influence, personal connections or other forms of interference to determine who gets appointed.
He emphasised that recruitment must be guided by competence, qualifications and the established procedures governing Uganda’s public service.
His warning comes as local governments implement the recruitment guidelines and circulars issued in July 2026, including the guidance dated July 3, which places renewed emphasis on orderly, transparent and standards-based recruitment.
The guidance has also brought the roles of CAOs, Town Clerks and Local Government Service Commissions under renewed scrutiny, particularly in ensuring that vacancies are handled through prescribed procedures and appointments are made on merit.
“The message is clear: government employment must not become a transaction in which money determines who gets a job,”Kumamanya stressed.
The Permanent Secretary’s intervention comes shortly after President Museveni raised concern over reports of people paying money to secure government jobs.
The issue is particularly serious because government employees are responsible for implementing public programmes and delivering services to citizens.
Museveni argues that when recruitment is compromised, the consequences can extend beyond an applicant who loses an opportunity. An unqualified or improperly recruited officer can affect the performance of an entire institution and, ultimately, the quality of services delivered to citizens.
The July 2026 recruitment guidance provides the framework within which local governments are expected to handle recruitment and staffing.
According to Kumamanya CAOs and Town Clerks, must ensure that vacancies are subjected to the required procedures, positions are properly advertised, candidates are assessed against the relevant qualifications, and appointments are made through the legally established structures.
The guidance also reinforces the importance of accountability throughout the recruitment process.
Katunda Mukulu, Busia Distric Town Clerk says competent public servants are essential to delivering government programmes.
“Today over 2,400 people have benefited through the Parish Development Model, and these programmes require competent public servants to implement government initiatives,” he notes.
“A vacancy is not simply an empty office. It is a position carrying responsibility for public resources, government policy and the welfare of citizens,”he adds.
