The Public Service Commission has sounded an alarm regarding political interference in the human resource recruitment process in Karamoja, expressing grave concerns over the hiring of under-qualified candidates and the prevalence of unfilled positions at the district level.

Public Service Minister Muruli Mukasa, addressing the issue, emphasized the detrimental impact of political meddling on the integrity of the recruitment process.

The revelation surfaced during a comprehensive two-day regional stakeholder meeting organized by the Public Service Commission in Karamoja.

The forum provided a platform to address these concerns and explore solutions to uphold fair and merit-based hiring practices.

Last November, anonymous letters surfaced, urging non-Karamojong staff at Moroto and Matany Hospitals to vacate their positions and leave the region, prompting police involvement in the case.

Mark Aol Musyoka from the Service Commission in Moroto expressed concern over politicians seemingly influencing hiring decisions, while Minister Muruli Mukasa reiterated the need for impartiality in the recruitment process.

However, politicians, including Nabilatuk district Chairperson Lokol Paul refuted the allegations of interference, creating a complex narrative surrounding the recruitment challenges in Karamoja.

The persisting issue of vacant positions within various districts has led to substantial funds being returned to the central government.

In response to these challenges, the Ministers for Public Service have pledged increased oversight and frequent monitoring of districts to address emerging gaps in the recruitment process.