Tensions erupted at Biyaya Secondary School in Adjumani Town Council, Adjumani District, on Tuesday morning when a group of aggrieved demonstrators stormed the premises to protest what they described as biased recruitment into public service.
The protesters said they had lost trust in the exercise, citing the ongoing political transition period as a reason the recruitment should not proceed.
They alleged that certain individuals were being unfairly favored in the selection process, prompting residents to take their grievances directly to the school, which was serving as a recruitment hub.
“The entire recruitment exercise is biased. We cannot allow it to continue during this political season when favoritism and unchecked recruitment could take place. We are calling for the process to be halted immediately,” said Marian Asienzo, one of the demonstrators.
Solomon Angwe, another protester, welcomed the temporary suspension of the exercise and called for a transparent process.
“An investigation should be conducted, and the recruitment must be carried out transparently. We are not against the recruitment itself, but we demand accountability. Jobs are being bought, and this must stop,” he said.
Police later arrived at the scene to restore calm. Adjumani District Police Commander Superintendent of Police Herbert Masebe described the demonstration as unlawful and urged residents to follow proper channels when raising grievances.
“We encourage residents to follow the right procedures when raising their concerns instead of taking the law into their hands,” he said.
Adjumani District Chief Administrative Officer James Ocen Andrew described the protest as unfortunate, noting that it disrupted the recruitment exercise that was being conducted with the involvement of the Education Service Commission and other professional bodies engaged to ensure transparency.
“The district has a wage bill allocated for the recruitment of public servants to improve service delivery. Due to the protest, the recruitment team has temporarily suspended the exercise. We will convene with stakeholders to discuss and forge a way forward,” he said.
Observers said the protest reflects growing frustration among residents over perceived irregularities in public sector recruitment.
Many argue that transparent and credible hiring processes are critical, especially during politically sensitive periods, to maintain public trust and prevent unrest.