News

NRM Officials Not Serving But Helping Themselves – Ssemujju

Ssemujju Ibrahim Nganda

The opposition Chief Whip Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda has decried the increasing the levels of corruption in the country.

Speaking while commenting on the Akii-Bua shs 600m stadium saga, Ssemujju said that corruption has become a common issue in our societies.

He adds that today you see stories of stolen money as briefs in the newspapers. “I think this is because we are used to such theft.”

The Kiira municipality lawmaker noted that this government does not care about sports citing that even the lights in Namboole stadium are lights of long time ago and outdated but no one is bothered.

“Namboole stadium was never completed, no one is bothered at all, The moment you are appointed in a position by the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM), the expectation is not to serve but to help yourself.” He said.

Last week, the Commissioner for Physical Education in the Ministry of Education and Sports, Lamex Omara Apita and other officials were arrested and detained on orders of a parliamentary committee for failing to account for Shs665m meant construction of Akii-bua Memorial Stadium.

The parliamentary committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) was on Tuesday meeting officials from Ministry of Education led by Omara who failed to present accountability documents on how Shs665m was spent for construction of the stadium which has since 2015 stalled.

President Yoweri Museveni pledged to construct Akii-bua Stadium in memory of John Akii-bua, the first Olympic gold medalist.

This prompted Usuk County MP Peter Ogwang to move a motion for Omara to be detained for causing a financial loss of Shs665m.

“Mr. Commissioner (Omara) you come from Lira and I thought you would passionately work for the quick construction of Akii-bua and I am personally disappointed in you. How do you use Shs665m to construct a shade instead of a stadium and how do you construct a pit latrine in this 21st Century? I therefore move a motion that you are handed over to CID until you provide documents on how the money was spent,” Ogwang said as MPs backed his motion.

“He [Omara] comes to the committee but without documentation required. They have failed to make accountability on the money on Akii-bua Stadium. We are going to hand him over to the CID and ask him to get information and documentation on Akii-bua Stadium. CID will take you and release you on communication from the committee,” Anita ruled as Omara was handed over to the CID.

Anita also warned Omara against acting without consulting the National Council of Sports whose duty is to implement such projects.

 

 

To Top