State Minister for Energy, Phiona Nyamutooro, has hit back at scammers using her name and photos on social media to advertise bogus job opportunities.

Taking to her official X (formerly Twitter) account, Nyamutooro distanced herself from these fraudulent schemes, alerting the public that she is not on LinkedIn and has no connection to the fake job adverts.

The minister expressed her frustration, saying, “It has come to my attention that job adverts are being circulated on different social media platforms in my name. Please be informed that I am not on LinkedIn, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development DOES NOT recruit or engage in any mineral-related business on social media!”

Nyamutooro clarified that all government jobs are advertised through the Public Service and not via social media platforms. She urged the public to be vigilant and avoid falling prey to such scams, reiterating that official government recruitment processes are strictly followed, with no exceptions.

In Uganda, the recruitment of public servants is governed by a structured process. The Public Service Commission (PSC) is responsible for recruiting civil servants. Job vacancies are advertised through various channels, including newspapers, official government websites, and public service bulletins.

Advertisements specify required qualifications, experience, and skills for the positions. Interested candidates submit their applications along with required documents, such as academic qualifications and professional certificates. Many applications are now submitted online through the PSC’s official portal, making the process more accessible.

Applications are screened to ensure they meet the minimum qualifications. Suitable candidates are shortlisted based on their qualifications and experience. Depending on the position, candidates may be required to sit for written exams to assess their knowledge and skill. Shortlisted candidates are interviewed by a panel. The interview assesses their competencies, problem-solving abilities, and suitability for the role.

Successful candidates undergo background checks to verify their qualifications and work history. This may include checks for criminal records or any misconduct in previous positions. Candidates who pass all stages are offered appointments and notified through official letters.