Written By | Torch Media Africa
Ismail Mushemeza (also referred to as Mushemeza Ismail Kambanda), has been charged and remanded to prison on multiple counts of obtaining money by false pretenses
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Kamwenge
The former Kitagwenda District LC5 Chairperson, Ismail Mushemeza (also referred to as Mushemeza Ismail Kambanda), has been charged and remanded to prison on multiple counts of obtaining money by false pretenses. Mushemeza appeared before the Kamwenge Magistrates Court on Thursday, where he was denied bail and remanded until January 6, 2026, pending further hearings.
The charges stem from allegations that, between 2024 and 2025, Mushemeza and unidentified accomplices defrauded job seekers by promising positions—primarily in the district's Nursing and Midwifery departments—despite no actual vacancies existing.
In Court: Mushemeza Ishmail Kambanda
According to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), victims paid sums ranging from UGX 5 million to UGX 15 million (with some reports citing up to UGX 20 million) directly to Mushemeza or through his agents. In return, they received forged appointment letters and fabricated minutes from the District Service Commission.
When the victims attempted to report for duty, they discovered the documents were counterfeit and the jobs fictitious. Requests for refunds were reportedly ignored, prompting several residents to file complaints with SHACU.
The unit, working in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), launched an investigation coordinated with local police and community leaders.
Upon learning of the probe, Mushemeza allegedly abandoned his office and went into hiding for several months, beginning around July 2025. He was eventually apprehended in Nansana, Wakiso District, earlier this week.
SHACU has appealed to any additional victims to come forward and report to police, noting that investigations remain ongoing and other suspects are still at large.
In a statement, SHACU emphasized President Yoweri Museveni's longstanding commitment to eradicating corruption, particularly in district recruitment processes via District Service Commissions. The unit has probed similar cases in over 20 districts, including Mpigi, Gomba, Kyankwanzi, and Mukono, leading to the arraignment of more than 15 officials on related charges.
This case underscores ongoing efforts to curb abuse of office in local governments and restore public trust in employment procedures.
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