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RDC directs police to probe 12 district officials over Covid funds
Butebo County MP Oduchu Mudukoyi (left) hands over Shs20m to the Butebo Chief Administrative Officer, Mr Robert Mulondo, in the presence of the Resident District Commissioner, Ms Fatuma Ndisaba (centre), on May 26. PHOTO/ MUDANGHA KOLYANGHA
What you need to know:
- A detective, who preferred anonymity, said they had launched investigations into the matter.
Budaka Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Martin Orochi has directed police to investigate 12 officials over allegations of swindling Shs40m meant for fighting Covid-19.
The money in question was reportedly returned to the district by Mr Kazekia Mbogo, the Budaka County MP, and Ms Pamela Kamugo, the District Woman MP, following President Museveni’s directive to MPs to surrender the Shs20m that they had each received to assist in the fight against the pandemic.
In his November 11 letter addressed to the district police commander, Ms Nabunya Swagiya, Mr Orochi said the money was used by the officers without the knowledge of the Covid-19 taskforce and the district council.
“It is upon this background that I direct you to expeditiously institute investigation into this matter to allow necessary action taken to recover this funds,” Mr Orochi wrote.
Some of the district staff expected to be investigated include Dr Erisa Mulwani, the district health officer, Mr Paul Taliwaku, cashier and Dr John Wogabaga, the in-charge of Budaka Health Centre IV.
Mr Orochi also asked police to investigate suppliers Owor Investment Ltd, M/S Buyube Enterprise, Ms Victoria Namugwere and Ms Alice Nantongo for allegedly being part of the plan to swindle the money.
A detective, who preferred anonymity, said they had launched investigations into the matter.
“All those involved will be summoned to police and record statements,” the source said.
Earlier, the RDC had ordered the chief administrative officer (CAO), Mr Elly Piwang, to account for the Covid-19 money.
“I am reliably informed that the district of Budaka, just like other districts in Uganda, received back the monies that were returned by MPs. For the case of Budaka, to date, the whereabouts of the money is not clear,” the November 9 letter reads in part.
The letter further reads: “If received, where is the money so that the entire district Covid- 19 task force can put it into use ahead of the forthcoming activities of mobilisation, transport and testing of selected members of the community.”
The deputy CAO, Mr Fredrick Kitutu, told Daily Monitor that money was spent following stipulated guidelines.
Background
Early this year, MPs were each given Shs20m to be used in their respective constituencies to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, a move that sparked outrage from the public.
President Museveni also, while delivering his 12th address to the nation about Covid-19 on April 28, said the MPs had fallen into a trap by taking the money.
It was later agreed that the said money be taken to the district task force in which the MP hails from through the CAO, then for the MPs representing the special interest groups, the money would be taken to the national taskforce or returned to the Parliamentary Commission.
