Rubirizi suspends service commission secretary over recruitment irregularities

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Rubirizi District Local Government, in conjunction with the District Security Committee, has suspended Richard Munori, the secretary of the District Service Commission, over allegations of corruption and manipulation of recruitment lists.

The suspension was announced during a security and stakeholders’ meeting held at the district headquarters on April 20, 2026.

The District Service Commission also accused Munori of adding names of individuals who had not been shortlisted to the recruitment list.

The Rubirizi resident district commissioner, Ahmed Kinene, said security agencies, including the police, have launched investigations into the matter and are expected to present their findings within two weeks.

“We have instituted investigations into allegations of corruption and irregularities in the recruitment process. We expect a comprehensive report within two weeks,” Kinene said.

The chief administrative officer, Paul Samuel Mbiiwa, confirmed that the decision followed complaints from stakeholders and local leaders regarding irregularities in the recruitment exercise.

“The district received several complaints pointing to irregularities in the recruitment process. As a result, the process has been halted to allow thorough investigations,” Mbiiwa said.

He added that members of the public with relevant information should cooperate with authorities to ensure the truth is established.

Charles Birungi, the chairperson of the District Service Commission, said the suspension followed concerns raised after aptitude tests involving 661 applicants.

“During the review, we identified clerical errors in the initial shortlist for oral interviews. A corrected list was subsequently issued on April 17, 2026,” Birungi explained.

He, however, cautioned the public against politicising or tribalising the matter, emphasising that recruitment in the district is based on merit.

“Job opportunities in Rubirizi are open to all qualified applicants regardless of their origin. The commission remains committed to a transparent and merit-based recruitment process,” he said.

Birungi reiterated the commission’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and encouraged the public to report any evidence of wrongdoing to the police.

Munori, who confirmed his suspension, said the move was intended to allow investigations to proceed without interference.

“I welcome the investigations because they will clear my name. I have never solicited money or altered recruitment lists in exchange for jobs, and the allegations against me are false and malicious,” Munori said.

He acknowledged that there were errors in the recruitment list but maintained that a corrected version was issued in time.

“I urge anyone with evidence against me to present it to the authorities instead of making unverified claims in public,” he added.