MISTER MUSASIZI: STOP EMPLOYING PEOPLE ONLY FROM KIGEZI, IT KILLS NATIONALISM SPIRIT

He made the remarks during the Regional Budget Consultative Workshop that is being held in Kabale at Agaba Center.

In his address to stakeholders from the Kigezi region, Hon. Musasizi raised concerns about the discriminatory employment practices that favor “homegrown” candidates over more qualified individuals from other regions. He pointed out the irrationality of such practices, questioning whether someone from Arua district  would get a job in Rubanda or if someone from Madi-Okolo District would get the similar position in Kigezi districts.

“These practices of gazzetting jobs for locals only is very bad,” Musasizi remarked, emphasizing the detrimental impact of these practices on the quality of public services.

He cited the example of Dr. Abdon Birungi, the District Health Officer (DHO) of Rubanda, who, despite not being a native of Rubanda, has demonstrated exceptional competence in his role.

Musasizi noted that if the system had demanded bribes or adhered strictly to regional hiring biases, the district would have missed out on the skills and dedication of Dr. Birungi.

Musasizi further questioned how Uganda could hope to build an efficient service delivery when such constraints are still prevalent. He expressed disbelief at the extent of bribery in the hiring process, particularly in sectors like education, where primary school teachers, earning a modest salary of just 500,000 UGX per month, are still expected to pay bribes to secure their positions.

“How much can you ask for a bribe from a primary teacher, who will earn 500,000 per month?” he asked, underscoring the financial and moral strain this places on already underpaid public servants.

The Minister’s remarks come at a time when the government is under increasing pressure to address the inefficiencies and corruption that plague the public sector.

Hon Musasizi’s remarks have sparked a crucial debate about the need for merit-based hiring and the elimination of bribery in Uganda’s public service.