Five officials from Kisoro District Local Government have been taken into custody over allegations that they collected money from job seekers by promising to help them obtain positions in the district administration.
The suspects include the district speaker, the chairperson of the District Service Commission (DSC), a DSC member, a district councillor and an alleged intermediary. Their detention follows a joint operation by anti-corruption investigators and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID).
Those arrested are Hakizimana Amos, Kisoro District Speaker; Nshaka Erastus, chairperson of the DSC; Turamuhawe Richard, a member of the commission; Mfitumukiza John, a district councillor; and Muhanika Alphonse, who investigators believe may have served as a link between the officials and prospective applicants.
The authorities are also looking for Francesca Mugisha, the DSC secretary, and Matata Alex, a teacher who is likewise suspected of acting as an intermediary. The two have not yet been apprehended.
According to preliminary findings, the alleged scheme operated between October and December 2025. During that period, the suspects and other individuals still being sought are believed to have obtained about Shs200 million from people seeking employment in Kisoro District Local Government.
Investigators allege that the payments were made on the understanding that the applicants would be assisted in securing public-service jobs. The exact number of people who may have paid money has not yet been disclosed.
The investigation is continuing, and the suspects could be taken before the Anti-Corruption Court after the case file is completed. Authorities have not indicated when the suspects will be formally charged.
The arrests form part of a broader campaign against the alleged sale of government jobs and other corruption-related offences in local authorities.
Anti-corruption officials have urged anyone who paid money after being promised a job in Kisoro District to report to investigators and provide relevant evidence, including payment records and communication with the suspects.
The case has renewed concerns about the vulnerability of unemployed people who may be persuaded to pay for positions that should be filled through official recruitment procedures.
All the suspects are presumed innocent unless a court of law finds them guilty.
