PS Kumumanya Reopens War on Recruitment Bribery

What the report says

KAMPALA, Uganda — Watchdog Uganda reports that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, has renewed pressure on local government officials to stop bribery and favoritism in public-sector hiring. He called on Chief Administrative Officers, town clerks and other administrators to make sure recruitment is based on merit, qualifications and the established public service rules rather than money, influence or personal connections.

According to the report, Kumumanya’s remarks came after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni raised concerns about claims that some people pay large sums to obtain government jobs. The ministry is now emphasizing circulars and recruitment guidance issued in July 2026, which direct local governments to advertise vacancies properly, assess candidates fairly and keep the process transparent and accountable.

The article says the issue has taken on added urgency because local governments handle staffing for key services such as health, agriculture, education and infrastructure. It also cites allegations from Edison Nuwamanya, a Diploma holder in agriculture and animal husbandry who says he has volunteered for two years while waiting for a formal post in Kitagwenda District. He alleged that some applicants paid bribes, although the publication notes those claims were not independently verified.

Kitagwenda District Town Clerk Pius Mugisha told the outlet that financial and institutional constraints affected recruitment there and denied intentional wrongdoing. The broader message of the piece is that recruitment integrity is now being treated as a service-delivery issue, since poorly chosen staff can weaken local government performance and public trust.