MOYO — A laboratory technician at Lugoba Health Centre III in Moyo District has been charged with obtaining money by false pretence after allegedly collecting millions of shillings from job seekers by promising to secure them positions in the district local government.
Amegovu Richard was arraigned before court on Wednesday following investigations conducted by the Anti-Corruption Unit of State House in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The Anti-Corruption Unit said Amegovu was remanded until August 26, 2026, as investigations continue.
According to investigators, between 2023 and 2024, Amegovu allegedly worked with other suspects who are still at large to solicit money from several job applicants in Moyo Town Council.
The suspects allegedly told the applicants that they could secure them positions as Enrolled Nurses and Clinical Officers under Moyo District Local Government.
The applicants reportedly paid between Sh3 million and Sh10 million each in the belief that the promised jobs would be secured.
Investigators, however, allege that the promises were false and that the accused had no ability or authority to secure the positions.
The case originated from complaints submitted by residents of Moyo District during the ongoing “Expose the Corrupt” campaign, an anti-corruption initiative spearheaded by Minister of State for Local Government Balaam Barugahara.
The Anti-Corruption Unit said it is continuing to work with the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies to investigate corruption allegations arising from complaints received through the campaign.
The case also highlights a persistent vulnerability in Uganda’s public service recruitment system, where job seekers can be exploited by individuals claiming to have influence over recruitment processes.
Authorities have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected corruption through established channels rather than paying individuals who claim they can guarantee government employment.
Amegovu is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.