Gomba, Uganda – July 11, 2025 — Three senior officials from the Gomba District Service Commission and the District Education Office have been charged with extortion and soliciting bribes in a high-profile case involving the illegal sale of government jobs. The accused were remanded in custody by the Grade 1 Magistrate Court in Gomba District and are scheduled to appear again on July 25, 2025.
The accused include Mugerwa John Bosco, Chairperson of the Gomba District Service Commission; Muwonge Michael, the Commission’s Secretary; and Charles Lwanga, the District Inspector of Schools. They were arraigned on charges of “Demanding Money with Menaces” and “Conspiracy to Commit a Felony” following investigations led by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), the Uganda Police’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP).
According to SHACU, between February and November 2024, Mugerwa and Muwonge allegedly conspired to extort money from multiple job applicants seeking employment within the district. Applicants were reportedly forced to pay bribes ranging from UGX 1 million to UGX 20 million in exchange for consideration and placement in various government roles. Some of these applicants subsequently secured senior positions within the district administration.
Separately, Charles Lwanga, the Senior Inspector of Schools, faces allegations of extorting funds from several headteachers by promising improved postings and promotions in exchange for payments.
This case comes amid intensified government efforts to combat corruption, especially in public sector recruitment. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni had earlier directed SHACU and other relevant agencies to investigate and arrest officials involved in the illicit sale of government jobs, a move aimed at promoting transparency and restoring public trust in recruitment processes.
The arrests of these officials mark a significant step in the fight against corruption in Uganda’s public service, sending a clear message that misuse of office and exploitation of job seekers will not be tolerated.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have pledged to continue pursuing all individuals implicated in similar corrupt practices.