Public Service Commission Investigates Bushenyi District Recruitment Amid Corruption Allegations
The integrity of the recruitment process for the Bushenyi District Service Commission (DSC) is under intense scrutiny, with the Public Service Commission (PSC) launching a formal investigation following serious allegations of corruption and procedural irregularities. A PSC team has been dispatched to Bushenyi to probe the validity of the appointments, a move prompted by a petition from the Western Ankole Civil Society Forum (WACSOF).
At the heart of the investigation is a demand from the PSC for the Bushenyi District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Ms. Phionah Sanyu, to provide concrete proof of the appointed DSC’s legitimacy. This directive stems from WACSOF’s petition, which outlines claims that district leadership allegedly circumvented established legal protocols and accepted bribes to secure the approval of the new commission.
PSC’s Formal Inquiry and Allegations of Bribery
In a letter dated February 13, the PSC Secretary, Dr. John Geoffrey Mbabazi, formally requested comments from the CAO regarding WACSOF’s serious accusations. The letter specifically asks for a certified copy of the minutes from the district executive committee meeting held on December 17, 2025. Crucially, the PSC requires these minutes to be signed by all district executive committee members present and listed on the attendance roster. This request underscores the PSC’s intent to verify the official proceedings and decision-making processes involved in the DSC appointments.
The investigation is further fueled by claims from Mr. Lee Kakonge, the director of WACSOF. He asserts that the recruitment process was compromised from its inception. Mr. Kakonge cited information, including a purported leaked audio recording, suggesting that the district chairman and several councilors may have received bribes to endorse specific candidates for the DSC positions.
- Financial Implications of Alleged Bribery:
- WACSOF alleges that the approved Chairperson of the Service Commission may have paid approximately Shs13 million (equivalent to roughly USD 3,500 at current exchange rates) to secure their position.
- This alleged financial transaction raises concerns that individuals who “bought” their seats on the commission would seek to recoup their investment through corrupt practices, such as selling jobs to the public.
- WACSOF emphasizes that allowing such a corrupt system to become entrenched would be detrimental to public service integrity.
Procedural Concerns and District Impasse
Beyond the bribery allegations, Mr. Kakonge also raised concerns about the procedural fairness of the appointments. He contends that the District Executive Committee (DEC) did not officially convene to deliberate on the nominated names before they were rapidly forwarded to the district council for approval. This alleged bypassing of the DEC’s formal consideration is seen as a significant procedural flaw.
The ongoing standoff has plunged the district into a state of crisis, leaving it without a functional Service Commission. This absence has created a critical bottleneck, preventing the recruitment of essential personnel for vital vacancies within the health and education sectors.
Local Leaders Express Grave Concerns
The ramifications of this impasse were palpable during a recent heated district council meeting. Local leaders voiced their deep apprehension about the district’s ability to deliver meaningful services to its constituents.
- Impact on Public Services:
- Councilor Abel Gamba, representing Bitooma town council, highlighted the direct suffering of residents due to the inability to recruit staff.
- He further warned that the impending end of the financial year could result in the forfeiture of allocated wage bill funds to the national treasury if the positions remain unfilled. This would represent a significant loss of resources for much-needed public services.
District Chairman’s Defense
In response to the allegations, the District Chairman, Mr. Jaffari Basajabalaba, vehemently denied any claims of bribery. He maintained that the council adhered to legal procedures during the December 17, 2025, sitting.
Mr. Basajabalaba stated that the necessary documentation, including the names of nominees and the required minutes, had been submitted to the PSC. While acknowledging the bribery allegations, he refrained from providing detailed commentary, noting that he was not the presiding official during the approval process. The PSC’s ongoing investigation is expected to shed light on these competing narratives and determine the validity of the recruitment process.
