Summary:
- Our investigation reveals that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) became aware of the funds’ misuse following an exposé by this publication earlier this year.
RUBANDA: At least four senior officials from Rubanda District Local Government are reportedly in secret negotiations with the government to refund more than Shs 200 million in misappropriated funds, in an attempt to avoid criminal prosecution.
Confidential sources and investigations by our reporter reveal that these officials are lobbying powerful government figures to protect them from facing justice.
The implicated officials include Rubanda District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Alex Kwizera, Senior Procurement Officer Medard Asiimwe, Production and Marketing Officer Benon Kahangi, and Chief Finance Officer Livingston Natukunda.
They are accused of conspiring to embezzle taxpayer money between 2023 and 2024, which was allocated for key development projects such as micro-scale irrigation systems, apiary demonstration farms, and other initiatives aimed at boosting the local economy.
Our investigation reveals that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) became aware of the funds’ misuse following an exposé by this publication earlier this year.
The CID swiftly launched an inquiry, interrogating the suspects both at the district level and later in Kampala between July and August.
Realizing that their situation was dire, the officials allegedly held secret meetings in the CAO’s office, where they plotted to negotiate a repayment deal to avoid legal consequences.
Seeking a Way Out: The Desperate Attempt to Avoid Prosecution
When confronted by the CID, the accused reportedly admitted to their wrongdoings, expressed remorse, and pleaded for leniency.
In an attempt to avoid prosecution, they began lobbying senior government officials, hoping to prevent their case files from being forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Sources claim that the officials sought the intervention of the Chief of CID, Maj Gen Tom Magambo, urging him to delay or discard the case.
Furthermore, they allegedly reached out to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane Frances Abodo, through influential figures, attempting to ensure they never face trial.
If successful, this strategy would allow them to evade any legal consequences for their actions.
Although the CID concluded its investigation more than two months ago, no action has been taken against the suspects.
The lack of progress has fueled speculation that their lobbying efforts may have worked, with the case now seemingly stalled.
Kahangi: The Mastermind Behind the Fraud
Benon Kahangi, the Production and Marketing Officer, is believed to be the mastermind behind the scheme. As the focal point for the misappropriated projects, Kahangi allegedly forged documents, including signatures from district leaders, and falsified records to cover up the embezzlement.
When the forgery was discovered, Kahangi reportedly told his subordinates, “This is my time to eat; yours will come.”
Kahangi’s involvement in the scandal was so significant that he was interdicted from his position after the Inspectorate of Government (IG) began investigating.
Despite this, he was reinstated six months later due to a loophole in public service regulations, allowing him to return to his duties despite overwhelming evidence against him.
Natukunda and Asiimwe: Key Enablers
Chief Finance Officer Livingston Natukunda played a pivotal role in facilitating the misappropriation. As the official responsible for authorizing payments, Natukunda allegedly approved the release of funds, knowing that Kahangi lacked the required documentation.
He is accused of deliberately ignoring the irregularities and supporting the fraud.
Similarly, Senior Procurement Officer Medard Asiimwe is accused of bypassing proper procurement procedures and failing to produce necessary documentation for the transactions.
Investigators say Asiimwe forged minutes from the Contracts Committee to cover his tracks, further implicating himself in the scandal.
Kwizera: The Silent Overseer
As the Chief Administrative Officer, Alex Kwizera was expected to oversee district projects and ensure accountability. However, he allegedly allowed the fraudulent transactions to proceed unchecked.
Despite knowing that no tangible work had been done, Kwizera reportedly defended his officers, raising questions about whether he too benefitted from the scheme.
A Fight to Retain Power:
The stakes are high for the accused officials, as several laws, including the Inspectorate of Government Act (2005), the Anti-Corruption Act (2009), and the Public Service Act (2008), require public officers charged with corruption to step down until proven innocent.
Fearing the loss of their lucrative positions and potential damage to their reputations, the four are desperate to avoid prosecution.
While their attempts to stall legal proceedings have, for now, delayed the wheels of justice, the public is watching closely.
As the investigation gathers dust in the corridors of power, one question looms: will justice be served, or will the corrupt officials evade accountability, protected by their connections at the highest levels?
