Patrick Kintu Kisekulo, the Kyotera LC5 Chairperson, seems to be standing hot-red coals after being embroiled in a bribery scandal.
He was rerecorded acknowledging taking bribes from job seekers to influence their appointment for government positions at the district.
The leaked video clip widely shared across different social media platforms, captures Kisekulo admitting to accepting bribes from a medical professional seeking enrolment into government service in Kyotera district.
In a conversation, the chairperson candidly acknowledges receiving sums of money amounting to Ugx 7 million.
In the conversation, Kisekulo reassures the job seeker, identified as Nakalyango, that her recruitment is guaranteed, dismissing any concerns about interviews.
“You will be enrolled, don’t worry, there shall not be interviews for all your cohort, interviews shall be for only sub county administrators,” he submitted.
It is evident that the chairperson uses his position to influence recruitment in the district.
The exchange highlights the apparent misuse of power by the district chairperson to manipulate recruitment processes.
At one point, Kisekulo questioned delays by the then-chairperson of the district service commission, Rose Nalubowa, in confirming Nakalyango’s appointment.
Defending Allegations
Reacting to the leaked video, Kisekulo did not challenge its authenticity.
However, he dismissed the incident as a smear campaign orchestrated by his political opponents.
He said he is being targeted for his allegiance to Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, the State Minister for Microfinance, but the victims claim he is politicising the matter to avoid refunding their money.
This scandal is not the first to implicate Kyotera’s leadership in recruitment irregularities.
A few years ago, the Inspectorate of Government (IG) interdicted Rose Nalubowa, then-chairperson of the district service commission, following allegations of corruption and favoritism in staff appointments.
Reports pointed to a widespread culture of bribery, with several officials accused of soliciting money from applicants and endorsing unqualified candidates.
Among those indicted was Aaron Muyonga Kayinga, Secretary of the Kyotera District Service Commission, who faced corruption charges.
In a twist, the High Court in Masaka ruled last year that Nalubowa was innocent, criticising the IGG for denying her a fair hearing.
The court ordered the IG to compensate her for the damages caused by the investigation.
Public Outcry
The leaked video has sparked widespread outrage, with many demanding accountability and an overhaul of recruitment practices in Kyotera District.
Critics argue that such incidents undermine public trust in local leadership and perpetuate corruption in public service.
As the scandal unfolds, all eyes remain on the district leadership and law enforcement agencies to take action against the growing allegations of misconduct.
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