The minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, has ordered the interdiction of eight Mitooma district officials over alleged mismanagement, neglect of duty and other administrative irregularities.
Barugahara directed the district chief administrative officer (CAO), Amis Asuman Masereka, to submit the names of the officials to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, for interdiction.
The officials are Dr Sadic Byamugisha, the district health officer (DHO); Peace Gloria Barungi, district education officer (DEO); John Baptist Tumwebaze, senior engineer and acting district engineer; Geoffrey Tumusiime, civil engineer-water; Godwin Kagumire, senior environment officer; Vincent Rugambwa, senior assistant secretary; Godfrey Mugumya, ambulance driver; and Dr Patrick Oloya, a medical officer.
Tumwebaze is accused of mismanaging more than Shs 1 billion in road funds and overseeing allegedly shoddy works at Rutaka Primary School, where Shs 40 million was reportedly spent.
Kagumire, meanwhile, is accused of neglecting his duties as senior environment officer while Rutenga wetland is allegedly being degraded.
The directive followed concerns raised by Mitooma district chairperson Alex Karitundu over several government projects that he said were contracted under the leadership of former district chairperson Benon Kareyija and require investigation.
Among the projects cited is the Shs 2.9 billion Kigyende Seed School, which Karitundu said was only 23 per cent complete despite the contractor allegedly receiving full payment.
He also cited the district skilling centre, reportedly 64 per cent complete despite full payment; Ncwera 7 bridge, valued at Shs 8 billion and reportedly 50 per cent complete; and Kigyende health centre IV, where equipment was allegedly stolen and the case remains unresolved.
Other projects cited include the Shs 540 million Ncwera III project, reportedly 90 per cent complete, and small-scale irrigation schemes that Karitundu said had been abandoned by contractors.
Karitundu said Mitooma district has had 12 CAOs since its creation in July 2010, serving under two district chairpersons. He said successive CAOs had left unresolved administrative issues, citing former CAO Joanita Nakityo, who was accused of interfering with the work of the District Service Commission.
Job bribery allegations
Barugahara also ordered the arrest of Mitooma District Service Commission chairperson Sam Tugume Karakuza over allegations that he extorted money from job seekers. Karakuza, who is currently on police bond, was recently arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit over similar allegations.
He is accused of allegedly conniving with Dr Oloya to extort Shs 19 million from Julius Kato in connection with a job as a clinical officer. Barugahara directed the Inspectorate of Government, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Resident District Commissioner and the Criminal Investigations Directorate to investigate the concerns raised by residents.
The issues include the management of the district tractor, Katenga health centre III, alleged shoddy works, payments for ambulance services and the district abattoir, which reportedly cost Shs 44 million.
The minister said the investigations should establish whether public resources were properly managed and determine responsibility for any wrongdoing.
