Newly elected leaders in Bukomansimbi District have declared war on corruption and the alleged sale of government jobs, warning officials accused of soliciting bribes in exchange for employment opportunities that their time is running out.
The leaders made the remarks shortly after taking oath to begin a five-year term of office during a ceremony held at the district headquarters in Bukomansimbi Town Council.
The swearing-in ceremony was presided over by Masaka Chief Magistrate Herbert Asiimwe.
The event officially ushered in a new district leadership led by District Chairperson Julius Buregeya alongside newly elected district councillors.
Shortly after the swearing-in, councillors elected James Muhaabwa, councillor representing Bigasa Sub-county, as Speaker of the District Council unopposed. Sarah Nalubega, the female councillor for Butenga Town Council, was elected Deputy Speaker, while Pere Ssemanda, representing workers, was appointed Vice District Chairperson.
Addressing leaders and residents after taking oath, Bukomansimbi South Member of Parliament-elect Hassan Mukiibi Sserunjoji condemned corruption tendencies within district institutions, particularly allegations that jobs in the district service commission are being sold to desperate job seekers.
“Public jobs are not supposed to be sold to the highest bidder. We have received many complaints from residents who say recruitment processes have been commercialised. This must stop,” Sserunjoji said.
The MP-elect pledged to work closely with the new district leadership to restore transparency and accountability in public service.
District Chairperson Julius Buregeya also warned corrupt officials, saying his administration would not tolerate leaders or technical officers who exploit vulnerable residents seeking employment.
“Leadership is about serving the people, not enriching ourselves. We are going to ensure fairness and transparency in all district operations,” Buregeya said.
He further promised inclusive leadership and pledged that major district decisions would involve consultation with residents through community meetings.
“Nothing affecting residents will be done without involving them because leadership belongs to the people who elected us. We are going to do this through community engagements where people will raise the key issues affecting them so that together we can find solutions to these challenges,” he added.
Speaker James Muhaabwa, in his maiden speech, singled out the alleged sale of jobs as one of the biggest challenges affecting trust in local government institutions.
According to Muhaabwa, many residents have repeatedly complained that applicants are allegedly asked to pay huge sums of money before being considered for district jobs.
“We have heard disturbing reports that some jobs begin at shs40 million , and whoever cannot raise the money is denied opportunities. That is unacceptable and unfair to our people,” Muhaabwa said.
He pledged that the district council would prioritise fighting corruption and strengthening oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency in recruitment and service delivery.
“Our council will not remain silent while citizens suffer because of corruption. We shall closely monitor recruitment processes and hold accountable anyone involved in selling jobs,” he added.
Residents who attended the ceremony expressed optimism about the new leadership, saying they expect improved service delivery, accountability, better roads, improved health services and support for agriculture, especially coffee growing, which remains one of the district’s major economic activities.
Several residents noted that the district has for years struggled with allegations of corruption and favouritism in public service recruitment, which they believe has denied many qualified young people employment opportunities.
The new leaders now face the task of restoring public confidence while delivering on campaign promises in a district where demands for better governance continue to grow.