By Alfred Opio
Several individuals in Pallisa District are reportedly under investigation and risk arrest over allegations of soliciting bribes from job seekers following the district’s recent recruitment advertisement.
Reports indicate that some suspects, including individuals alleged to be civil servants, have been demanding between Shs3 million and Shs4 million from applicants in exchange for promises of securing them government employment.
Sources further claim that several desperate job seekers have been forced to sell property, including land, to raise the requested sums.
Flex Alex Majeme, the District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), strongly condemned the practice, describing it as illegal and contrary to government recruitment procedures.
“Government jobs are given on merit. Soliciting money from job seekers is illegal and will not be tolerated,” Majeme said, warning that those found culpable will face the full force of the law.
He revealed that his office is set to engage both regional and district security agencies to thoroughly investigate the allegations. Suspects, he noted, will be required to refund any money extorted from applicants and could face detention or prosecution if found guilty.
Majeme has since urged all affected job seekers to formally report their cases to the relevant authorities to facilitate prompt investigations.
Meanwhile, Patrick Duchu, the District LC5 Chairperson, acknowledged the seriousness of the claims but cautioned the public against generalizing the accusations to all civil servants.
According to Duchu, some fraudsters are exploiting the recruitment exercise by impersonating or falsely invoking the names of district officials to extort money from unsuspecting applicants. Others allegedly pose as associates of senior officers and promise guaranteed placements.
He urged residents to avoid dealing with middlemen and emphasized that the district recruitment process remains transparent and strictly based on qualifications and performance.
Authorities say investigations will commence soon as the district leadership seeks to restore public confidence and safeguard the integrity of the recruitment system.
