The Government has cracked down on corruption in public recruitment, directing that all job advertisements must carry clear anti-bribery disclaimers warning applicants against paying money to secure employment.
The directive was announced by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, during the opening of an orientation for Heads of Human Resource Management at the National Leadership Institute in Kyankwanzi.
Kumumanya said the move is aimed at tightening transparency and restoring integrity in government hiring processes, which have long been tainted by allegations of bribery and influence peddling.
“All government job adverts must clearly state that no fees are charged at any stage of recruitment,” he said, warning that the practice of paying or soliciting bribes for jobs will not be tolerated.
He emphasized that both job seekers and public officials risk facing legal consequences if found engaging in corrupt practices.
The Government has also urged victims and whistleblowers to report any cases of extortion or bribery to oversight bodies such as the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Ministry of Local Government, and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID).
Kumumanya revealed that enforcement efforts are already underway, with several suspects apprehended in different districts as part of a wider crackdown on corruption in recruitment and public service delivery.
“Government has directed that all public sector jobs be advertised with disclaimers urging the public to desist from bribing recruitment officers as a deterrent measure against corruption,” he said.
The orientation has brought together 237 Heads of Human Resource from across the country and is jointly organised by the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Public Service, the Civil Service College, and the National Leadership Institute.
The two-week training programme is designed to professionalize human resource management in local governments, equipping officers with skills to plug loopholes commonly exploited in recruitment, payroll management, and pension administration.
Officials say the training is anchored on values of patience, commitment, and sacrifice—principles considered essential in reshaping the culture of public service.
Kumumanya tasked participants with strengthening internal systems and enforcing merit-based recruitment, noting that all public service vacancies must be openly advertised and filled through transparent, accountable processes.
He reiterated the Government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, stressing that integrity in recruitment is critical to building public trust and ensuring equal opportunity for all Ugandans.
