Jobseekers applying for jobs through Uganda’s District Service Commissions (DSCs) were asked to pay up to Shs50 million to secure positions, according to a study by the Inspectorate of Government (IG).
The study, published in August 2025, found widespread corruption in recruitment by DSCs, with applicants for some positions allegedly required to pay bribes before being considered for employment.
The IG’s findings show that applicants for primary school teaching jobs were required to pay about Shs3 million, while those seeking heads of department positions were asked to pay as much as Shs50 million.
The Inspectorate said the findings were contained in its study on the Cost and Extent of Corruption in Recruitment by District Service Commissions in Uganda.
“The findings of the report indicated that there was gross corruption in the recruitment by DSCs,” the report states.
“For instance candidates for primary teacher jobs were required to pay Shs3million, while candidates for heads of department were required to pay up to Shs 50million,” report adds.
The Inspectorate said it disseminated the findings to 18 local governments during the January-June 2026 reporting period.
The local governments included Otuke, Lira, Omoro, Gulu, Nebbi, Arua, Koboko, Maracha, Kole, Alebtong, Lamwo, Kitgum, Kaabong, Kotido, Moroto, Kayunga, Buikwe and Buvuma.
The study was part of the IG’s broader research work on corruption, maladministration and leadership code of conduct. According to the report, such studies are intended to provide evidence to guide institutional strategies and policy development.
The Inspectorate also disclosed that it had planned to conduct the Fifth National Integrity Survey (NIS V) during the reporting period to obtain evidence on how corruption and maladministration manifest in public services.
However, the survey was not conducted after development partners who had committed to fund it failed to provide the required funding.
Meanwhile, the IG said it has established a Contact Centre to allow members of the public to report complaints, make inquiries and follow up on complaints at no cost.
