By Alfred Opio
The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) regional office in Mbale, working jointly with security agencies, has launched investigations into allegations that district officials and other individuals solicited bribes from job applicants during a recent recruitment exercise in Pallisa District.
The probe follows growing complaints from members of the public who claim that some applicants were asked to pay money in exchange for promises of securing government jobs. The allegations surfaced shortly after the district advertised several vacant positions.
Led by Fredrick Oketch, the Mbale Regional Inspectorate Officer, the IGG team convened a meeting at the district headquarters where all applicants were invited to provide information confidentially.
During the session, each applicant was asked to write privately whether anyone had demanded money from them to influence the recruitment process. Several reportedly submitted names of individuals suspected of soliciting bribes, indicating that multiple applicants may have been affected.
“We are carrying out this exercise across the entire region because government jobs are not for sale,” Oketch said. “Those whose names have appeared in these complaints will be thoroughly investigated. If found guilty, they will be required to refund the money and face the full force of the law.”
He emphasized that recruitment into public service must be based strictly on merit, warning that exploiting desperate job seekers for financial gain is both unethical and illegal.
Oketch further cautioned applicants against participating in bribery, noting that the law holds both the giver and the receiver accountable.
“Giving out money as a bribe is also an offence. Those involved in offering bribes will equally be arrested and charged,” he warned.
The IGG’s office has assured affected applicants of thorough investigations and pledged to deliver justice. Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with investigators as the process unfolds.
The crackdown is part of broader efforts to combat corruption in public recruitment systems and restore confidence in government institutions across the region.
