The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has ordered the interdiction of three Soroti University officials for allegedly causing financial loss of UGX 464,693,000 to the institution.
The officials are Robert Magemeso, the Bursar, Abdallah Oyare Shaban, the Deputy Secretary, and Francis Elyebu, the Principal Estates Officer.
The trio is charged together with the Managing Director M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited, Richard Twebaze.
The interdiction order addressed to the Soroti University Secretary is signed by Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, the Deputy Inspector General of Government.
This follows the arraignment of the accused before the Anti-Corruption Court on June 4, 2024, on charges of Causing Financial Loss, False Certificates by Public Officers, and Abuse of Office contrary to sections 11(1), 20(1) and 25 of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009 as amended, under Criminal Case number CO-0073 of 2024.
The group had appeared before Chief Magistrate, Joan Aciro was granted bail cash bail of UGX. 7,000,000 each and asked to deposit their passports in Court. Their sureties were also ordered to execute a non-cash bond of UGX 150m each.
According to Article 230(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, 2002, the Inspector General of Government (IGG) may, during the course of his or her duties or as a consequence of his or her findings, make such orders and give directions as are necessary and appropriate in the circumstances.
Public interest demands that while the case against the officials above is still ongoing in Court, they should be suspended from exercising the powers and functions of their offices until the prosecution is concluded, according to the press statement from the IGG’s office.
The said officials were charged with three counts of causing financial loss, two counts of abuse of office, and others including false certification by public officers and neglect of duty.
It’s alleged that between July 2020 and June 2022 at Soroti University, Francis Elyebu and Abdallah Oyare Shaban in the performance of their duties as Contract Manager and Deputy University Secretary/Ag.
The University Secretary allegedly issued a false interim certificate dated June 22, 2021, indicating that M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited had completed works warranting a total payment of UGX. 328,867,000 not well knowing or having reason to believe that their act would cause financial loss to Soroti University.
It’s also alleged that the same officers within the said period did an arbitrary act prejudicial to the interests of their employer when they irregularly certified payment of UGX. 328,867,000 to M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited.
On the count of neglect of duty, it’s alleged that Francis Elyebu, being employed as Estate Manager and Contract Manager for the supply and installation of a 305 cubic meter tank and tank stand at Soroti University in Soroti neglected his duty to supervise and ensure that M/S Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited Built the 305 cubic meter tank and tank stand per the approved and agreed upon structural designs and Bills of Quantities.
When contacted, the University Secretary, Stephen Oloya says that the affected officers are already on interdiction. “We received the interdiction letter and the affected officers were served with the same accordingly,” he said on phone.
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