SH-ACU Charges Lugazi Officer in Job Scam
MUKONO—The SH-ACU (State House Anti-Corruption Unit) has announced the arraignment of a senior Lugazi Municipal official before the Mukono Chief Magistrate’s Court. Doctor Wataba Saadi, the Municipal Medical Officer for Lugazi Municipality, faces grave charges of Obtaining Money by False Pretence and Conspiracy to Defraud.
The operation was conducted in partnership with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), signaling a concerted effort to dismantle networks exploiting desperate job seekers in the public sector.
Dr. Saadi was arraigned alongside two alleged co-conspirators: Sekikubo Mubarak, the Chairperson of LC III, Nakisunga Sub-County, and Mugerwa Ronald Saaku, the Probation and Welfare Officer for Lugazi Municipality. The trio is accused of running a scheme between January and June of 2025 in Mukono Town.
Their target, Dr. Mukisa George William, a job applicant, was allegedly defrauded of a staggering UGX 38,000,000. This money was extorted under the false pretense of guaranteeing him a permanent Medical Officer position within Mukono District—a role for which he had officially applied.
Court documents detail the precise nature of the deception. The suspects allegedly assured Dr. Mukisa that the substantial sum was intended as a “facilitation fee” for members of the Mukono District Service Commission. They claimed this money was essential to influence the commission members and secure Dr. Mukisa’s successful appointment.
Prosecutors emphasized this claim was entirely fraudulent, as the trio had no genuine capacity to secure the position. This misuse of public authority and trust has added severity to the charges.
The successful arraignment underscores the rigorous investigative work conducted by the coordinating agencies, enforcing a zero-tolerance policy for officials leveraging their positions for financial gain.
SH-ACU continues to caution the public against paying bribes or ‘facilitation fees’ to secure government employment, urging immediate reporting of suspicious activity. This case highlights a persistent challenge in public sector recruitment, where job applicants become vulnerable to exploitation by corrupt insiders who promise shortcuts to success.
This incident follows a recent series of arrests targeting corruption at the local government level, demonstrating the nationwide scope of the operation.
The prompt action by the SH-ACU and its partners is expected to send a powerful deterrent message across all municipal and district service commissions.
All three suspects have been remanded in custody, pending further court proceedings. The prosecution is prepared to present a robust case against the accused officials.
