Babalanda
The Office of the President has warned the public about fraudsters soliciting money from unsuspecting Ugandans while falsely promising appointments as Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Deputy RDCs, Commissioners and Assistant RDCs.
In an official notice signed by the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, the government said it had received reports of individuals demanding payment from members of the public in exchange for securing government appointments.
“The Office of the President has been alerted that some unscrupulous individuals are fraudulently soliciting money from the public under the guise of securing appointments as Resident District Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners and Assistant District Resident Commissioners,” the statement reads.
Babalanda emphasized that such claims are false and intended to exploit job seekers while tarnishing the reputation of the Presidency.
“These claims are false and aimed at tarnishing the name and reputation of the Office of the President. Please take note that such appointments are effected through established procedures and any communication to that effect is disseminated through official channels,” she said.
She further cautioned the public not to pay money to anyone claiming they can influence appointments to the RDC positions.
“No person should be duped to part with money for such appointments,” Babalanda added.
The warning comes amid reports of con artists taking advantage of growing public interest in RDC positions, often circulating fake appointment lists or impersonating senior government officials.
Members of the public have been urged to ignore such calls or messages and instead report any suspected cases of fraud to the nearest police station.
However, Kampala Gazette has learnt that the surge in fraudulent activity may have been influenced by reports of a recent pay rise for RDCs.
Sources indicate that President Yoweri Museveni recently signed an instrument increasing the monthly salary of RDCs to about Shs9 million, up from roughly Shs2 million previously.
Insiders say the relatively modest pay in the past partly reflected the perception of RDC appointments as rewards for loyal National Resistance Movement (NRM) supporters or consolation positions for party members who had lost elections.
With the new salary structure reportedly taking effect, sources suggest the government could increasingly prioritize competence and administrative capacity in the next RDC appointments.
The development has heightened public interest in the positions, creating an opportunity for fraudsters to exploit unsuspecting individuals seeking government jobs.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and rely only on official government communication regarding appointments to public office.
About The Author
