Ugandans Paid Shs29 Billion in Bribes to Secure Government Jobs

Ugandans seeking employment in local governments paid an estimated Shs29 billion in bribes between 2018 and 2022, according to a report by the Inspectorate of Government (IG), highlighting the extent of corruption in public sector recruitment.

The findings were contained in a study launched in August 2025 at Hotel Africana, where Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja represented President Yoweri Museveni.

The report focused on recruitment processes conducted through District and City Service Commissions and found that many job seekers were forced to part with money to secure positions in local government institutions.

According to the Inspectorate, the widespread practice has undermined merit-based recruitment, with public jobs increasingly being treated as commodities rather than opportunities awarded on qualifications and competence.

The watchdog warned that the trend has denied many deserving applicants a fair chance at employment while weakening confidence in public service recruitment systems.

Following the release of the report, the Inspectorate embarked on a nationwide dissemination exercise, engaging District and City Service Commissions and sharing the findings in 24 districts to encourage reforms and strengthen accountability in hiring processes.

The report further noted that corruption in recruitment has far-reaching consequences because local governments are responsible for delivering essential services to communities across the country.

When positions are awarded based on bribery instead of merit, the quality of public servants entering the system is compromised, affecting sectors such as education, healthcare, engineering, and local administration.

The Inspectorate emphasized that public service positions should be earned through qualifications and performance rather than financial influence, warning that corruption in recruitment ultimately affects the quality of services received by citizens.

The findings are expected to inform future policy reforms and strengthen oversight measures aimed at eliminating bribery and promoting transparency in local government recruitment.