Mukono, Uganda
The police have summoned Mukono district officials, both technical and political, to address allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
The investigation involves Elizabeth Namanda and eight other officials who began reporting to the Regional Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) Headquarters on Jinja Road last week to provide statements.
Patrick Onyango, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, stated that a general inquiry file was opened to investigate cases of embezzlement, financial loss, and abuse of office.
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) has also accused some individuals, including councillors, of computer misuse. These individuals are currently giving their statements.
The CAO, the District Internal Auditor, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), the Council Clerk, the District Speaker, and members of the District Executive Committee are among the accused.
Samuel Odongo, a councillor representing Nama Sub County, confirmed he reported to the police to give a statement. He claims the charges against him are intended to hinder his efforts to fight corruption.
He also provided evidence that the CAO distributed 520,000 shillings among 43 councillors to secure budget approval in May, though the money’s source remains unknown.
Another councillor, Bernard Ssempaka, representing Nakifuma-Naggalama town council, confirmed receiving Ugx520,000 and later Ugx640,000 for two sitting allowances despite being suspended from the council.
He believes the allowances were improperly given since suspended members are not entitled to them.
Other issues under police investigation include the failure to remit 75% of the property tax collected by the town council and 25% of revenue from other local governments.
Attempts to reach the CAO, Elizabeth Namanda, for comments were unsuccessful, as she instructed her secretary to inform the media that she was unwilling to discuss the matter.
The district speaker, Betty Hope Nakasi, stated that the money distributed to councillors’ accounts is for monitoring activities at the end of each financial year. She also confirmed being summoned to record a statement and is yet to appear.
District chairperson Rev. Peter Bakaluba Mukasa confirmed he has recorded a statement on the matter but declined to reveal details, stating it could disrupt the investigation.
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