MUKONO – The Deputy District Health Officer (DHO) of Mukono, Dr. Isaac Ddumba, is under increasing scrutiny amid mounting allegations of bribery and irregular recruitment practices that have rocked the district’s health sector.
Dr. Ddumba is accused of soliciting money from job seekers in exchange for employment opportunities within the district health department and other local government offices.
Despite being formally contacted for comment, he has remained silent, declining to respond to an inquiry sent to him seeking clarification on the serious allegations.
According to multiple sources familiar with the matter, several individuals claim they were promised positions within Mukono District or through health programs supported by external development partners, notably the Makerere Walter Reed Project (MWRAP), after allegedly paying bribes ranging from UGX 2 million to UGX 3 million.
The alleged victims include trained health workers and their family members—some of whom are serving police officers—who reportedly sought employment for their spouses and children.
Several complainants have told investigators and journalists that after paying the requested amounts, they were subsequently ignored or “ghosted” by Dr. Ddumba and his associates.
Dr. Ddumba, who served as a key technical figure at the interview desk of the Mukono District Service Commission (DSC) during the most recent recruitment cycle, is now facing increasing public pressure to step aside or explain his role in the unfolding scandal.
His refusal to engage with inquiries has further inflamed tensions among civil society actors, health sector professionals, and members of the public who are demanding transparency and accountability.
Calls for an internal probe by the Mukono District Local Government have so far gone unanswered, raising further concerns about institutional commitment to ethical recruitment practices.
The developments come at a time when the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), in collaboration with other investigative agencies, has launched a broader investigation into recruitment irregularities across Mukono District.
Preliminary findings suggest systemic weaknesses in the district’s hiring processes, with reports of job selling, nepotism, and abuse of office.
Observers warn that failure to thoroughly investigate and prosecute those involved could erode public trust in the health system and compromise the integrity of future recruitment exercises.
“This isn’t just about one officer,” said a local civil society advocate who preferred anonymity. “If corruption is allowed to fester at the top without consequences, we are essentially telling every qualified health worker that merit no longer matters.”
The Mukono scandal is the latest in a series of corruption-related cases involving public service recruitment across Uganda. It underscores the need for institutional reforms, greater oversight, and citizen vigilance in the fight against corruption.
As investigations continue, the public waits for both answers and action. Whether Dr. Ddumba will eventually break his silence or face disciplinary measures remains to be seen.
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