Concerns over alleged corruption in recruitment within Mitooma District have sparked calls for the suspension of District Service Commission Chairperson, Sam Tugume Karakuza.

Fred Lumala, the Deputy Director of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in charge of Economic Fraud and Anti-Corruption, has urged the district council to suspend Karakuza pending the completion of investigations.

Lumala said preliminary findings have established a prima facie case against Karakuza, who is accused of bribery, corruption, and abuse of office.

He alleges that the official sold government jobs and extorted money from applicants during local government recruitment exercises.

The request is contained in a letter addressed to Benon Karyeija, citing Section 59(9) of the Local Government Act, which provides for the suspension of officials under investigation.

Lumala warned that Karakuza’s continued presence in office could interfere with ongoing investigations being conducted jointly by the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.

Karakuza is among four senior district officials arrested last month over alleged corruption linked to the sale of government jobs.

Others include Chief Administrative Officer Joanita Nakityo, Senior Education Officer Richard Nabimanya, and District Health Officer Sadic Mugisha.

Meanwhile, District Council Speaker Moses Tumwekwase said the council will convene to consider the matter, warning that delays in recruitment could result in the loss of more than UGX 1 billion allocated for wages.

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