Summary:
- According to the Acting RDC, Eric Ssewandingi, Mr. Asiimwe had been evading arrest since a special audit revealed that Shs. 15 million was missing from the Bubare Subcounty coffers.
RUBANDA: Rubanda District Police on Thursday arrested Bubare Sub county Chief, Benjamin Asiimwe, after he allegedly attempted to bribe the Acting District Resident Commissioner (RDC), who had summoned him for questioning over the embezzlement of Shs. 15 million.
According to the Acting RDC, Eric Ssewandingi, Mr. Asiimwe had been evading arrest since a special audit revealed that Shs. 15 million was missing from the Bubare Subcounty coffers.
The missing funds included payments owed to a supplier, as well as local revenue.
Ssewandingi explained that he summoned Asiimwe to his office, but Asiimwe, sensing he might be arrested, requested a private meeting with the RDC at Capricon Hotel in Kabale Municipality.
“I agreed to meet him but brought a police officer along,” Ssewandingi said. “When we arrived at the hotel, I asked the officer to stay in the car, leading Asiimwe to believe I was alone. He then attempted to give me a parcel, at which point I immediately called the officer to arrest him, without even opening the parcel to check its contents.” Ssewandigi stated.
Asiimwe was subsequently transported back to Rubanda District, where he is currently detained awaiting prosecution.
“I urge all civil servants in Rubanda District to perform their duties diligently and to always be prepared to account for all government funds allocated to their sub-counties. Bribery will not save anyone when it comes time for accountability,” Ssewandingi told our reporter over the phone.
Eric Ssewandingi, who arrived in Rubanda District as Deputy RDC in 2022, has been at the forefront of the fight against corruption in this southwestern district of Uganda. He has ordered several arrests related to graft at the District Headquarters, sub-counties, and town councils.
Among Ssewandingi’s recent actions in the fight against corruption was the arrest of Rubanda District Production Officer Benon Kahangi, who allegedly pocketed funds meant for procurement. Additionally, several parish chiefs and SACCO managers have been charged with embezzlement and extortion under the Parish Development Model (PDM).
During the Rubanda District Belated Women’s Day celebrations on June 28, 2024, State Minister of Finance Henry Musasizi commended Ssewandingi as an uncompromising and hardworking RDC who has made significant contributions to the fight against corruption in the district.
Musasizi, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Rubanda East and the NRM Chairperson for Rubanda District, praised Ssewandingi’s efforts and encouraged him to continue his work, noting that in addition to combating corruption, the RDC has played a key role in maintaining security in the district.
“He is now our Acting RDC, promoted from Deputy RDC due to his hard work,” Musasizi announced.
