By The Insight Post Uganda
Kampala-Uganda
The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) in Uganda has been hit with yet another corruption scandal. Investigations have revealed that taxpayers were overpriced for iron sheets meant for Karamoja, with each sheet costing Ugx71,000.
It has been discovered that a specific 28-size gauge ordinary corrugated galvanized, pre-painted (sand beige) was supplied to the OPM by selected manufacturers.
The cost of the same iron sheets ranges between Ugx35,000 and Ugx40,000 according to our market survey.
However, the scandal has raised questions about the transparency and accountability of government procurement processes, as well as the use of taxpayer money.
The iron-sheet scandal has sent shockwaves through the country, with many expressing outrage and frustration at the misuse of public funds.
It is not the first time that the OPM has been embroiled in such controversy, with previous scandals including the misappropriation of funds meant for refugee settlements and the distribution of relief aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The latest scandal has once again highlighted the need for urgent action to be taken to address corruption in Uganda.
The fact that a specific type of iron sheet was exclusively supplied to the OPM by selected manufacturers has raised questions about the fairness and transparency of the procurement process.
A concerned OPM staff offered to speak on condition of anonymity saying this begs the question of whether there was a competitive bidding process and whether the selected manufacturers were chosen based on merit or favouritism.
The lack of transparency in government procurement processes is a major concern and creates an environment that is ripe for corruption and abuse of power, he noted.
The delay in the delivery of iron sheets paid for by the Office of the Speaker is another cause for concern.
The fact that the team dispatched from the Speaker’s office had to physically go to the OPM warehouse in Namanve to retrieve the iron sheets three weeks after payment raises questions about the efficiency and accountability of the OPM.
Taxpayers expect their money to be used efficiently and effectively, and delays in the delivery of goods paid for only add to their frustration and mistrust in government institutions.
Joseph Sabiti, the Parliament Speaker-Anita Among’s spokesperson, confirmed there were procedural issues and coordination required before the OPM could accept the delivery.
During a plenary session – March 15th, 2023, Speaker Among announced her decision to deliver 500 iron sheets to the Namanve stores as compensation for the non-delivery of a similar quantity and quality of iron sheets in Bukedea District in 2022.
Several ministers and Members of Parliament were implicated in the scandal. They have stated that they did not request nor were they aware of how the iron sheets ended up in their respective constituencies.
Defence statements
On March 26, the Inspectorate of Government (IG) received statements from at least 22 members of President Museveni’s Cabinet, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, regarding the circumstances under which they obtained iron sheets earmarked for distribution to vulnerable communities in Karamoja Sub-region.
Other prominent figures who have submitted explanations are the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, Third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Isanga Nakadama, and Finance Minister Matia Kasaija.
According to Ali Munira, the IGG spokesperson, 31 MPs and 13 Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) also provided their accounts related to the iron sheets.
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