New leaders in local districts across the Lango and Acholi regions of Uganda have swiftly announced a major effort to stop corruption, especially in how government jobs are filled. They are determined to end the unfair practice where people have to pay bribes to get public service positions.
These chairpersons, fresh in their roles, are specifically targeting dishonesty and favoritism within District Service Commissions. Their main goal is to bring back honesty and equal chances for everyone seeking government employment.
For instance, Morish Ogwal Omara, the chairperson of Amolatar District, issued a stern warning to anyone taking money from job applicants. He made it clear that his administration will not tolerate such actions and has put plans in place to deal with those who harm the district’s reputation through corruption. He emphasized that no one should ever pay money to secure a government job in Amolatar.
Similarly, in Apac District, Chairperson Ambrose Agech pledged to aggressively tackle corruption involving both public servants and political figures, particularly when it comes to hiring. Agech sent a strong message to corrupt officials, telling them they should “pack up and leave,” as his leadership will not stand for bribery or misuse of power. He affirmed that under his watch, no applicant would be required to pay for a public job, and he committed to working with all elected officials, regardless of their political differences, to ensure openness, accountability, and better public services.
Agago District Chairperson Wilson Otto shed light on a key reason for past corruption, pointing to the long-standing absence of a trustworthy and independent body to oversee district services. He explained that for years, job seekers in Agago often felt forced to rely on powerful connections or pay bribes just to get a job, causing the district to suffer.
These leaders are making a bold stand against a deeply rooted problem. Their unified message is a strong promise to create a fair system where merit, not money, decides who gets a government job. The challenge now is to turn these powerful words into lasting change, ensuring that every citizen has an honest chance to serve their community without facing demands for bribes. Their success will be a true test of their commitment to good governance and transparency for the people they now lead.