The former Butaleja District Local Council V (LCV) Chairperson, Higenyi Micheal Bory, has been remanded to prison after being charged with obtaining money by false pretences in an alleged scheme targeting job seekers during local government recruitment exercises.
Bory was arraigned on Thursday before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Butaleja following a joint operation involving the Anti-Corruption Unit of State House, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
The prosecution alleges that Bory exploited his position as district LCV chairperson to solicit millions of shillings from several applicants who were seeking employment opportunities in Butaleja District Local Government.
According to the allegations, the former district political leader claimed that he could influence or secure jobs for applicants during recruitment exercises conducted by the district.
Investigators, however, allege that the promises were false and that Bory had no legitimate means of guaranteeing the jobs for which he allegedly demanded money.
The alleged scheme is said to have operated between 2021 and January 2026, covering multiple recruitment exercises conducted during the period in which Bory served as LCV chairperson.
The Anti-Corruption Unit said the former chairperson allegedly received money from several applicants, with the victims reportedly paying millions of shillings in the hope of securing positions within Butaleja District Local Government.
The case highlights the vulnerability of unemployed young people and other job seekers who can be targeted by individuals claiming to have influence over public recruitment processes.
Public service jobs are supposed to be filled through established recruitment procedures, and attempts to solicit money from applicants in exchange for jobs can amount to serious criminal conduct.
The charges against Bory are allegations at this stage, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
After hearing the case, the Butaleja Chief Magistrate ordered Bory to remain in custody until September 1, 2026, when he is expected to return to court.
The prosecution is expected to present further details of the allegations and evidence against the former district chairperson as the case progresses.
The arraignment is the latest action by Uganda’s anti-corruption agencies against individuals accused of exploiting public positions or recruitment processes for personal financial gain.
The Anti-Corruption Unit, CID and ODPP have increasingly collaborated on investigations and prosecutions involving alleged corruption, fraud and abuse of office across local governments.
For the alleged victims in Butaleja, the case could provide an opportunity for investigators to establish how much money was collected, how many applicants were affected and whether other individuals were involved in the alleged scheme.
Authorities have also continued to warn members of the public against paying money to individuals who promise to secure government employment, urging job seekers to rely on official recruitment procedures.
Bory will remain on remand as the criminal proceedings continue, with his next court appearance scheduled for September 1.
