Kiryandongo Official Confesses to Accepting Shs2m Bribe from Job Applicant

Kiryandongo District Service Commission (DSC) is facing serious allegations of bribery after a member reportedly admitted to soliciting a bribe from a job applicant without delivering the promised position or refunding her money.

The investigation began after the Kiryandongo District Local Government announced job vacancies in March 2023. Among the applicants was 27-year-old Rebecca Nalwanga, who applied for the role of enrolled nurse. Nalwanga claims that shortly after her shortlisting, commission member Severino Kaheru approached her, requesting Shs2 million in exchange for a guaranteed job.

Nalwanga borrowed the Shs2 million from a money lender and paid it directly to Kaheru, expecting her position would be secured. However, her name did not appear on the list of successful candidates, and Kaheru provided no explanation when she sought answers.

Kaheru later admitted to taking the Shs2 million, explaining that he was unable to secure Nalwanga a position because other commission members did not allocate him a “slot” to add her name. He has since repaid Shs500,000 to Nalwanga and stated that he intends to repay the remaining Shs1.5 million after selling his coffee harvest.

Martin Jachan, Kiryandongo’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), expressed disappointment over the bribery claims, noting that the service commission has long been respected for its integrity. He encouraged affected applicants to visit his office with evidence to formally file complaints.

Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Samuel Mbabazi also acknowledged receiving several complaints of extortion linked to the DSC, with applicants reportedly being asked to pay between Shs2-5 million for job placements. Many applicants, he noted, have been forced to take loans from money lenders only to be left jobless.

Mbabazi warned that these practices fuel corruption within the commission, as some officials may seek bribes to recover money they paid to secure their own positions. He has ordered that the applicant’s money be refunded within 10 days, warning that failure to do so could lead to the suspect’s arrest.