Nebbi District Recruitment Faces Anti-Corruption Probe as Petition Alleges Manipulated Interview Lists

By Ocaya Kennedy @AfricaPamoja-UG

NEBBI — Recruitment exercises conducted by the Nebbi District Service Commission have come under scrutiny following a petition to the State House Anti-Corruption Inspectorate alleging manipulation of interview lists, irregular appointments, nepotism, conflict of interest and unfair treatment of job seekers.

The petition, dated 30 March 2026 and filed under reference 11359/2, calls for investigations into recruitment exercises conducted during the 2025/2026 financial year.

The controversy reportedly dates back to 13 November 2025, when applicants for various positions sat written interviews or aptitude tests. On 1 December 2025, the District Service Commission invited successful candidates for oral interviews.

According to the petition, the original interview notice listed seven candidates for the position of Office Attendant and six for Assistant Town Clerk. However, the petitioners allege that the notice was later removed from notice boards and replaced with another notice carrying the same date, increasing the Office Attendant list from seven to 12 candidates and the Assistant Town Clerk list from six to 15.

The petition also questions the postponement of oral interviews for Education Assistants, Senior Education Assistants, Deputy Head Teachers and Head Teachers, saying candidates had already been invited but the new interview dates were not disclosed.

Assistant Town Clerk Recruitment Questioned

The most serious allegations centre on the recruitment of Assistant Town Clerks.

The petition claims that 17 candidates were initially shortlisted, although only 15 reportedly sat the aptitude test. Of those who took the examination, the petitioners allege that only six qualified for the oral interview, while nine additional candidates were later included in the oral interview process.

The petition further alleges that two candidates who had failed the aptitude test were eventually appointed Assistant Town Clerks.

The allegations name Ajolorwoth Joanita, reportedly posted to Central Division in Nebbi Municipality, and Biywaga Faith, reportedly posted to Statutory Bodies in Nebbi Municipality. The petition claims Ajolorwoth is the daughter of Jalwiny Silimani, whom it identifies as a member of the District Service Commission.

However, the allegations have not been independently established. Recruitment records and examination results would need to be examined to determine whether the candidates failed the aptitude test and how they subsequently progressed through the recruitment process.

Conflict-of-Interest Questions Raised

The petition also raises questions about the appointment of Nyakisa Hellen, who reportedly passed the aptitude test and was appointed to Thatha Division, Nebbi Municipality.

According to the complaint, Nyakisa is allegedly a niece of Jalwiny Silimani. The petitioners are questioning whether any potential conflict of interest was declared and whether the commission member recused himself from proceedings involving the candidate.

The complaint further alleges that the Chairperson of the District Service Commission facilitated the recruitment of his son, Alimacon Walter, as Senior Assistant Accountant, reportedly posted to Thatha Division.

If verified, such allegations could raise questions regarding compliance with conflict-of-interest and public-service recruitment procedures.

Senior Assistant Secretary Appointment Challenged

The petition also challenges the recruitment of Geoffrey Odiya as Senior Assistant Secretary.

The petitioners reportedly argue that Odiya's qualification in Mass Communication may not meet the requirements for the position and contend that his appointment could have disadvantaged candidates who possessed the prescribed qualifications.

However, the matter requires verification against the applicable scheme of service, the original job advertisement and the academic qualifications submitted during the recruitment process.

Internal Verification Had Earlier Been Ordered

The recruitment controversy had reportedly reached the district administration before the petition was filed with anti-corruption authorities.

On 19 February 2026, the Chief Administrative Officer reportedly wrote to the Secretary of the District Service Commission acknowledging a complaint dated 12 February 2026 concerning alleged irregularities in the recruitment process.

The CAO reportedly directed the Head of Internal Audit and Senior Records Officer to verify the allegations, conduct due diligence and advise management, with a report expected by 28 February 2026.

It remains unclear whether the internal verification was completed and what findings, if any, were made.

Anti-Corruption Authorities Asked to Investigate

The petitioners are calling on the State House Anti-Corruption Inspectorate to conduct investigations and take action against anyone found culpable.

They are also seeking the suspension of appointments involving the affected Assistant Town Clerks, Office Attendants and Senior Assistant Secretary Geoffrey Odiya pending the conclusion of investigations.

In addition, the petition calls for a wider investigation into the two recruitment exercises conducted during the 2025/2026 financial year, focusing on allegations of corruption, nepotism, conflict of interest and unfair treatment.

The petitioners have further called for the disbandment and prosecution of the current District Service Commission if investigations establish wrongdoing.

A Wider Concern for Recruitment Transparency

The allegations come amid broader national concerns over corruption in local government recruitment.

The uploaded report notes that a 2025 Inspectorate of Government study conducted with the Economic Policy Research Centre examined corruption in recruitment by District Service Commissions and reported widespread bribery and other forms of malpractice.

The Nebbi case now places renewed attention on the importance of transparent recruitment procedures, proper record-keeping and independent verification whenever allegations of manipulation or conflict of interest arise.

For now, the allegations contained in the petition remain subject to investigation and verification. The recruitment records, examination results, interview lists and decisions of the District Service Commission will be central to establishing whether any irregularities occurred.