Mpigi, Uganda — In a dramatic crackdown on public sector corruption, the Chairperson of Mpigi District Local Government, Mr. Ssejjemba Martine, has been arrested alongside two senior members of the District Service Commission over allegations of soliciting bribes in exchange for jobs.
The joint operation, conducted by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in coordination with the Criminal Investigations Directorate,also led to the arrest of Mr. Kirumira Fredrick, Chairperson of the District Service Commission, and Ms. Nakamoga Sarah, the Commission’s Secretary.
The arrests follow a directive from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who was prompted to act after receiving multiple corruption complaints from local journalists during his Parish Development Model (PDM) monitoring tour in the Greater Mpigi area on June 17, 2025.
According to reports, the District Service Commission allegedly demanded bribes ranging from UGX 50,000 to UGX 15 million from job applicants. Sources reveal that securing a position in the district required bribing officials, with some positions allegedly being auctioned to the highest bidder.
“This blatant abuse of office and betrayal of public trust is unacceptable,” said an official from the Anti-Corruption Unit. “The President’s directive was clear—no one is above the law.”
The three suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be charged in court as investigations continue.
This development has sent shockwaves across the district, with residents and civil society leaders calling for a full audit of past recruitments and tougher measures against corruption in local governments.
If convicted, the accused could face charges related to abuse of office, corruption, and influence peddling under Uganda’s Anti-Corruption laws.
