The Third Deputy Prime Minister and Mayuge District Woman Member of Parliament, Rukia Isanga Nakadama, has raised concern over what she described as growing corruption in the district, particularly in the recruitment of government workers.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected district leadership for the 2026–2031 term, Nakadama said her office had received numerous complaints regarding corrupt practices within the district administration.
She revealed that some individuals have allegedly been extorting money from job applicants by falsely promising to secure employment opportunities for them, only for the victims to miss out on the jobs after making payments.
Nakadama stressed that all advertised government jobs should be awarded on merit rather than through bribery and influence.
She expressed concern that some district officials allegedly solicit money from desperate job seekers despite knowing that the available vacancies are far fewer than the number of applicants.
According to Nakadama, the vice has contributed to incompetence in public service because unqualified candidates are sometimes favoured due to the bribes they offer to recruitment officials.
She called on the newly sworn-in leaders to take the lead in fighting corruption, saying the practice has damaged the image of the district.
Nakadama added that the government is currently exploring mechanisms to strengthen the fight against corruption across the country.
The minister also cautioned members of the public against paying money to individuals claiming they can secure jobs for them before reporting such cases to authorities.
She argued that reporting incidents only after making payments fuels corruption and leaves job seekers vulnerable to financial loss.
Nakadama urged residents to immediately report anyone demanding money in exchange for employment opportunities instead of complying with such requests.
She further appealed to opposition councillors in the district to avoid opposing government programmes solely on political grounds and instead provide constructive ideas that can support development.
“Members in the opposition, we shouldn’t oppose simply because we are in the opposition,” Nakadama said.
Meanwhile, the newly elected district chairperson, Ziija David, pledged to prioritise the fight against corruption during his tenure.
Ziija described corruption in the district as alarming and said the new leadership would focus on ensuring that competent and deserving people secure jobs without bribing officials.
He added that his administration would also prioritise the completion of the district administration block, a project that has reportedly stalled for decades.
