KITAGWENDA.The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), working with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, have arrested and charged Kitagwenda District LC5 Chairperson Ismail Mushemeza Kambanda over allegations of fraudulently obtaining money from jobseekers.
Mushemeza was produced before the Kamwenge Magistrates Court and remanded until January 6, 2026.
According to SHACU, Mushemeza, together with accomplices still at large, allegedly defrauded several applicants between 2024 and 2025 by promising jobs in the Nursing and Midwifery departments of Kitagwenda District, yet there were no vacancies.
Victims reported paid between Shs 5 million and Shs15 million either directly to Mushemeza or through his agents . They were later issued fake appointment letters and forged minutes purportedly signed by the District Service Commission.
When the victims attempted to report for duty, they discovered the jobs did not exist. Efforts to recover their money were unsuccessful, prompting them to petition the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. SHACU then coordinated with police and local leaders to launch an investigation.
Officials say Mushemeza abandoned his office and went into hiding for several months after learning of the inquiries, but was eventually arrested and taken into custody. Investigators are still tracing his accomplices.
Authorities have appealed to more victims to come up and file complaints with police.
The development adds to ongoing nationwide investigations into corruption within District Service Commissions. President Museveni has repeatedly condemned the sale of government jobs, calling it a betrayal of public trust.
The Anti-Graft body says it has so far conducted inquiries in more than 20 districts, including Mpigi, Jinja , Gomba, Kyankwanzi and Mukono. Over 15 officials have been arraigned on charges relating to recruitment fraud.