Mpigi, Uganda – A storm of corruption allegations has rocked Mpigi District, culminating in the arrest and remand of three high-ranking local government officials accused of operating a bribery scheme that exploited desperate job seekers.
On Monday, June 30, 2025, the Mpigi Chief Magistrates Court formally charged and remanded Ssejjemba Martine, Chairperson, Mpigi District Local Council V, Kirumira Fredrick, Chairperson, Mpigi District Service Commission and Nakamoga Sarah, Secretary, District Service Commission
The trio is accused of soliciting bribes ranging from UGX 50,000 to UGX 15 million from applicants vying for public service jobs in the district demanding payments under the threat of exclusion from the recruitment process.
Their arrest, carried out by operatives from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) led by Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, followed a direct order from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. 
The President issued the directive during his Parish Development Model (PDM) monitoring tour in Greater Mpigi on June 17, after receiving numerous complaints from residents about rampant corruption in the district’s hiring process.
According to the charge sheet, the accused orchestrated a sustained bribery racket over multiple recruitment cycles, turning public employment into a pay-to-play scheme.
Job seekers were reportedly threatened with disqualification unless they paid hefty bribes to secure positions.
Her Worship Grace Wakooli, the Chief Magistrate presiding over the case, remanded all three suspects to prison until July 8, 2025, pending further investigations and court proceedings.
