UGANDA, Karamoja | Real Muloodi News | The Uganda Police Force (UPF) has issued an update on the ongoing investigation into the alleged theft and diversion of iron sheets meant for the Karamoja reformed warriors.
In a statement released on Monday April 24, Senior Commissioner of Police, Fred Enanga revealed that the task team actively investigating the case has almost finalised its scope of investigations.
Mr Enanga further confirmed that several case files have been submitted to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) with findings.
At least 20 ministers and 35 legislators across the country have been implicated in the Karamoja iron sheet scandal, putting the government under intense scrutiny.
Amoung the highest-ranking officials who allegedly received iron sheets are Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Speaker of Parliament Anita Among, Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, and Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba.
According to one source, included in the completed case files police submitted to DPP are that of Minister Kasaija, Minister Nabakooba, and Government Chief Whip Hamson Obua.
“The task team is currently planning to interview a few remaining witnesses and fast track leads that are significant to the remaining inquiries,” added police spokesperson Enanga.
Mr Enanga noted that investigation of some of the case files, such as the one involving Hon. Agnes Nandutu, are 100% complete and ready for full trial.
Background
Karamoja, a remote region in North-Eastern Uganda bordering Kenya and South Sudan, is home to pastoral nomads vulnerable to frequent droughts and deadly cattle raids by warriors who use illegally acquired guns traded across porous borderlands.
Security personnel have been conducting a disarmament programme in the region, and the roofing materials were intended for distribution to youths to encourage them to abandon illegal cattle raiding and other criminal activities.
In December 2021, the Parliament passed a supplementary budget worth 39 billion shillings to support these Karamoja reformed warriors.
Of these, 22 billion shillings were meant to purchase goats, while 5 billion shillings were allocated for the procurement of 100,000 iron sheets, which are now alleged to have been diverted for personal use by government officials.
President Museveni subsequently ordered an investigation into the theft of iron sheets and other relief items meant for the Karamoja Region, in response to increased complaints from the intended beneficiaries and concerned citizens.
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