Transparency group exposes widespread corruption in Uganda’s teacher recruitment process
Andiandu’s letter accuses officials of forging transfer letters, appointment documents, posting instructions, and reinstatement papers, resulting in the dismissal of numerous teachers from public service.
The Organisation for Transparency Advocacy (OFTA Uganda), an anti-corruption watchdog based in Kampala, has raised alarm over rampant forgery and bribery plaguing Uganda’s teacher recruitment system.
In a detailed letter dated January 17 and addressed to First Lady and Education Minister Janet Museveni, OFTA Uganda’s CEO, Andiandu J, highlighted irregularities undermining the education sector and called for urgent intervention.
Andiandu’s letter accuses officials of forging transfer letters, appointment documents, posting instructions, and reinstatement papers, resulting in the dismissal of numerous teachers from public service.
Central to these fraudulent activities is one Mugisha Moses, also known as Bainomugisha Nelson, who allegedly operates under multiple aliases and phone numbers (+256 752 940 115 and +256 763 358 898). According to the watchdog, Mugisha’s schemes are facilitated by insiders within government ministries, who leak sensitive information to aid his operations.
Bribery allegations in teacher recruitment
OFTA Uganda further alleges systemic corruption in the recruitment of teachers, deputies, and headteachers, implicating officials from the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), the Education Service Commission, and headteachers.
“After paying bribes to secure vacancies, certain individuals are placed on interview boards, where leaked questions ensure their selection,” the letter claims.
The watchdog identified several schools where the malpractice is allegedly rampant:
- Lwasso Seed Secondary School: Headteacher slot allegedly reserved for the Deputy Headteacher of Nkoma S.S.
- St. Mary’s S.S. Bugitimwa: Headteacher position reportedly secured for another Deputy Headteacher from Nkoma S.S.
- Mugiti Seed S.S.: Headteacher slot allegedly reserved for a Deputy Headteacher of Mbale S.S.
- Nansanga Seed S.S.: Headteacher position reportedly booked for the Deputy Headteacher of Bugwere High School.
- Muhula Seed S.S.: Deputy Headteacher slot allegedly earmarked for a teacher from Kamonkoli College.
Impact on public service delivery
Andiandu warned that such fraudulent practices undermine public service delivery, erode public trust, and pose security risks for whistleblowers, all while leading to significant financial losses for the government.
Call to action
OFTA Uganda has called for immediate investigations, urging the Uganda Police Force’s Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) to arrest and prosecute Mugisha Moses and his accomplices. They have also recommended thorough probes into staff at the MoES and Education Service Commission implicated in bribery and leaking sensitive information.
To curb future malpractice, the watchdog urged the Education Service Commission to adopt random and unpredictable interview practices, safeguarding the integrity of the recruitment process.
Despite these allegations, Andiandu commended certain officials, including permanent members of the Education Service Commission interview panel, for maintaining their integrity. He praised the Chairperson, Deputy Chairpersons, Secretary, and Mrs. Izizinga Rose, describing them as “incorruptible.”
Copies of the letter have been sent to the Chairman of the Education Service Commission, the Permanent Secretary of MoES, and the Permanent Secretary of the Education Service Commission, emphasizing the need for immediate corrective action.
The ongoing irregularities, Andiandu stressed, threaten to derail public service efficiency and tarnish the education sector’s credibility.