Summary:
- District LC5 Chairperson, Eliphazi Muhindi Bukombi, reaffirmed his commitment to fighting corruption, emphasizing that he remains steadfast in his anti-corruption campaign.
KASESE: A report by the select committee of the Kasese District Council on corruption allegations has triggered mixed reactions among councilors during an extraordinary council sitting.
The council, during its meeting on September 12, 2024, under minute 12/KDLG/COU/SEPT/2024/25, invoked Rule 92 of its Rules of Procedure to establish a seven-member working committee. This committee was tasked with investigating corruption allegations within the District Service Commission, District Executive, and the Chief Administrative Officer/Human Resource Department.
The committee was further directed to hold open public meetings and gather information from the public to substantiate the allegations.
Now, while Presenting the report on Tuesday during the district council session, Morris Kabunzungwire, the committee chairperson, revealed significant issues linked to corruption in the district.
The findings highlighted Bribery in Recruitment where Members of the District Service Commission were accused of soliciting bribes from job applicants, promising them favorable outcomes.
The report also revealed that testimonies indicated that those who failed to secure jobs were the ones who came forward to report the malpractice and Political Interference where the operations of the District Service Commission were reportedly influenced by political figures, affecting its independence and fairness.
The committee recommended that Rebecca Kabugho Kabbyanga, the female representative, and Elijah Kyetunda, the representative of urban councils, step down immediately to allow for criminal investigations into alleged abuse of office.
The report, however, faced criticism from some councilors due to its lack of full endorsement by all committee members. Several councilors also pointed out gaps in the findings.
Charles Kaliba, the councilor representing Karambi Sub-county, declined to sign the report, claiming that certain issues it presented were not based on field evidence.
He instead submitted a minority report, which he asserted provided a more accurate representation of the findings.
Similarly, Ham Natuhwera, the councilor for Nyakatonzi Sub-county, questioned the lack of proof that the accused individuals were interrogated before the report was finalized.
Kasese District Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Eliab Begumya Ntarwete, also expressed discomfort with the report.
He recommended that the accused be given a fair hearing to avoid potential legal and financial repercussions for the district.
The Kasese District Council Speaker, Johnson Mayora, sided with the majority, agreeing to grant the accused individuals an opportunity to respond to the allegations during a full council sitting scheduled for December 18.
District LC5 Chairperson, Eliphazi Muhindi Bukombi, reaffirmed his commitment to fighting corruption, emphasizing that he remains steadfast in his anti-corruption campaign.
