UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | The Executive Director of Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda (ACCU), Mr Marlon Agaba, has urged President Museveni to take action against government officials who have disregarded his directive to return iron sheets intended for vulnerable Karimojong individuals.
Mr Agaba expressed his concern over government officials who have failed to comply with the directive, emphasising that their actions undermine the presidential directive and deny the Karimojong people access to their rightful roofing materials.
He called on President Museveni to dismiss or prosecute those officials who have failed to return them or provide compensation as instructed.
Almost two months ago, on April 3, President Museveni issued a letter instructing government officials implicated in the Mabaati saga to return the iron sheets, reimburse their value if already donated, or face prosecution and “political action.”
Despite ongoing investigations by the police into approximately 22 ministers, 31 MPs, and 13 Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) involved in the irregular distribution of the roofing materials to the Karamoja Sub-region, less than 10 per cent of government officials have adhered to the presidential directive.
Among the officials implicated are Parliament Speaker Anita Among (500 iron sheets), Finance Minister Matia Kasaija (600), Junior Finance Minister Amos Lugolobi (600), Lands Minister Judith Nabakooba (300), State Minister for Defence Jacob Oboth-Oboth (300), and government Chief Whip Hamson Obua (300).
Mr Agaba highlighted the slow pace of asset recovery, which results in the country losing billions of shillings to corrupt individuals.
He stated that Uganda loses approximately USh90 billion worth of assets each year but only manages to recover USh30 billion.
Ms Mariam Natasha, the spokesperson for the State House Anti-corruption Unit (SHACU), urged the officials to respect the clear directive from the President, emphasising the need for the return of the iron sheets.
Ms Rebecca Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister, acknowledged receiving 500 iron sheets, which she claimed to have donated to roof health facilities.
She offered to compensate the government for the value of the received property. Mr Mathias Mpunga, the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament, emphasised that in such cases, the President should refrain from pardoning any thieves and instead allow the police and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to carry out their investigations and prosecutions.
Lawmakers are awaiting a report from the Parliamentary Committee currently investigating the theft.
Mr Sandor Walusimbi, a senior press secretary to the President, refrained from commenting on the matter, stating that they currently do not possess information regarding the return of the iron sheets.
As the defiance of the presidential directive continues, calls for accountability and swift action against those involved in the iron sheets saga grow stronger.
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