Police in Hoima have arrested Hillary Tumusiime, the Hoima District Secretary for Production, Works, and Natural Resources. He was arrested on Thursday in Hoima City and is currently detained at Hoima Central Police Station.
Tumusiime, also the Councilor for Kyabigambire Sub County, allegedly extorted 23 million shillings from a person seeking employment in the district. He allegedly promised the victim, whose name has not been revealed, a job with the Hoima District Local Government.
It is said that when the promised job did not materialise, the complainant reported the matter to police, prompting an investigation and the arrest of the suspect.
Julius Hakiza, the Albertine Region Police spokesperson, confirmed Tumusiime’s arrest and detention, adding that inquiries into the matter have commenced.
According to Hakiza, charges of extortion, bribery and obtaining money by false pretences were preferred against the suspect. He said he would be arraigned before court when investigations are through.
A source at the district has indicated that several other staff and politicians are under tension since they are being investigated for extortion and sale of government jobs. “Several of the district staff are undergoing investigations for alleged extortion of job seekers and sale of government jobs,” said the source.
The police in Hoima and Kikuube districts are investigating political leaders over extortion and sale of government jobs. Currently, Nicholas Kiiza, the male councilor representing workers for Kikuube District, is also in custody at the Hoima Central police station for alleged extortion from job seekers.
Kiiza was arrested following several complaints against him over alleged extortion, including receiving money from various job seekers in Hoima and Kikuube districts.
He reportedly extorted between six and ten million shillings from each individual seeking employment in the two districts.
According to police, they were receiving more complaints from people who allegedly lost money after being promised jobs by the suspect.
Police have reportedly opened inquiries into allegations of extortion, bribery and obtaining money by false pretences against the suspect. Last week, Joel Manyireki, the Hoima District Principal Human Resource Officer, was also arrested for allegedly extorting 15 million shillings from a health worker seeking employment in the district-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
