The Uganda Medical Association (UMA) has urged the Ministry of Local Government to investigate what it describes as widespread corruption in the recruitment of medical workers by District Service Commissions.
According to the association, many qualified doctors are being forced to pay bribes just to stand a chance of getting government jobs. UMA alleges that applicants are asked to pay between UGX 2 million and UGX 5 million in so-called “fuel” money simply to be shortlisted for interviews.
Even more concerning, the association claims that some candidates are being asked to pay as much as UGX 40 million to secure employment as government doctors. If true, the practice would place public service jobs beyond the reach of many qualified professionals and undermine confidence in the country’s recruitment system.
UMA also alleges that some districts deliberately re-advertise vacancies when they fail to receive enough bribe money, while other positions are left unfilled so they can later be awarded to relatives or well-connected individuals. The association says these practices have contributed to staff shortages in health facilities, despite the availability of trained medical professionals who are ready to work.
The doctors’ body is now calling on Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara and Minister of State for Local Government Justine Nameere to ensure a thorough investigation is carried out. It says those found responsible should be held accountable and measures put in place to restore fairness and transparency in the recruitment process.
The appeal comes at a time when the two ministers have been championing efforts to fight corruption and improve accountability within local governments. UMA believes addressing these allegations is critical to rebuilding public trust and ensuring that government health facilities recruit staff based on merit rather than financial influence.
The allegations have sparked concern because they point to a system where corruption could be preventing qualified health workers from serving communities that urgently need medical care. However, the claims remain allegations, and no official investigation findings have yet been released.
