UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has initiated an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of the properties owned by the Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI).
The probe follows a petition submitted by 126 district chairpersons of the UNCCI, represented by Mr Barnabas Kiisa from Mbale.
The petition accuses the Chamber’s current leadership, particularly its president, Ms. Olive Kigongo, of various irregularities concerning the management of Chamber of Commerce properties.
“We received a petition and are conducting preliminary investigations and consultations on the matters raised,” confirmed Ms Ali Munira, the spokesperson for the Inspectorate.
The investigation centres on alleged mismanagement of properties, some of which include a house in Mulago, Kampala, reportedly sold for $1.2 million (about UGX 4.4 billion).
However, only $800,000 (approximately UGX 3 billion) was allegedly declared to the Chamber members.
The petition also lists other properties located on Nakivubo Street and Johnson Street (Arua Park Boys), which were allegedly sold without proper consent from the Chamber members.
Further claims include the purchase of three properties in Natete, Busega, and Kanjokya Street in Bukoto, which were also later sold.
The petitioners allege that part of the proceeds was used to buy two plots at Tufnell Drive, Kamwokya, with one of these transactions allegedly involving exaggerated costs.
Mr. Kiisa stated that Ms. Kigongo, in alleged connivance with Board members, has repeatedly failed to account for funds generated from the sale of Chamber of Commerce properties, as well as from member contributions and donations.
He added that these transactions have taken place without transparency, and alleged that the president has been running the Chamber as a personal enterprise rather than an institution serving its members.
Ms Kigongo has denied the allegations, describing them as “malice meant to tarnish both my name and the institution.”
She also stated that the recent developments are “unfortunate,” but promised to provide a comprehensive response to the accusations.
Some district chairpersons have expressed concerns over the alleged mismanagement and are calling for government intervention.
Mr. Erias Muyindi, the UNCCI Masaka chairperson, emphasized the urgency of the situation. “These are issues that need urgent attention. We request relevant bodies to intervene,” he said.
However, some district chairpersons approached for comment declined to speak freely about the situation, citing fear of repercussions.
One district chairperson from the eastern region disclosed that Mr. Kiisa has faced threats and legal pressure since raising these concerns.
“Mr. Kiisa is now being hunted by police. He was served with a letter of intention to sue just because he came out and raised these issues,” the chairperson said.
Another chairperson from the Lango Sub-region described the issue as “too sensitive and big for me to comment on,” but confirmed that Mr. Kiisa’s claims are accurate.
The petitioners have also reached out to other government entities, including the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Trade and Finance ministries, and the Chief of Defence Forces, seeking intervention.
“If nothing is done, we are planning to conduct a peaceful march to the offices, demanding the immediate resignation of the Chamber president, Ms Olive Kigongo, and the corrupt Board, and the organization of elections which Ms Kigongo has frustrated for the last 22 years,” Mr Kiisa stated.
Ms. Mariam Natasha, the spokesperson for the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, confirmed that they are aware of the petition but have yet to begin their investigation.
Background on UNCCI
The Uganda National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UNCCI), established in 1933, is the oldest nationwide umbrella organization for the private sector in Uganda.
It has a network of 126 branches across the country and aims to promote and protect the interests of the business community.
The Chamber focuses on trade promotion, industrial development, and advocacy for sustainable economic policies to create a favourable environment for economic growth in Uganda.
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