Three government workers in Kabale district have finally yielded to pressure and publicly pledged to return the misappropriated road funds worth Ugx 42.94 million.
Vianney Besigomwe, who serves as the Maziba sub-county Chief, James Magezi, the sub-county cashier, and Loyce Asiimwe, the District Clerk to the Council, are alleged to have collaborated in diverting the funds, totalling Ugx42.94 million.
The funds under the District Development Equalization Grant (DDEG) were released between financial years 2020/2022 and 2023/2024 to rehabilitate roads in Maziba Sub County.
The roads earmarked for maintenance include Nyanja Trading Centre to Kiziba A-Kiziba B-Kabimbi-Bweyo Road, Ikona-Munkirp primary school road, Nyakasa-Kagona Road, Kaburasi-Rwemihanga-Kanoni road and Eiziniro-Mukashenyi-Birambo-Karweru road. Yet, despite the allocation, no actual work was carried out, and the funds were not present in the sub-county bank account.
The issue came to light following a string of protests by frustrated residents, particularly transporters, who insisted on road maintenance that was never executed.
This prompted the intervention of Godfrey Nyakahuma, the Kabale Resident District Commissioner, who tasked the implicated officials to return all the funds or face arrest for financial mismanagement.
“That money was supposed to go on the road since roads were not worked upon, it should be refunded. We want people to lose their appetite for embezzling government money.” Nyakahuma says.
In a letter dated February 8, 2024, seen by this website, Besigwomwe, Magezi, and Asiimwe committed to refund the money in two months.
The trio also committed to ensuring that money serves the purpose of rehabilitating road works within the same months. To our surprise, the same people have recently been embroiled in another embezzlement and corruption scandal.
Last month, Besigwomwe and Magezi were arrested for swindling Ugx17.18 million meant to rehabilitate roads in Maziba subcounty.
Furthermore, they face accusations of embezzling Ugx 8.95 million earmarked for the renovation of the Kyanamira sub-county council hall.
The Insight Post Uganda is questioning the lack of substantial action against the trio for mishandling public funds. Is it due to inadequate legal measures, proper monitoring, collusion, or protection of these officials, particularly after making promises to share a portion with involved parties, including district and sub-county councillors? Numerous questions persist concerning the credibility of these officers. Let’s expose and hold the responsible individuals accountable.
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