The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has formally arrested Igara County MP Michael Mawanda. Mawanda appeared at the CID headquarters in Kibuli on Wednesday, where detectives questioned him about his alleged involvement in the financial mismanagement of war loss compensation funds paid to cooperatives.
Summoned alongside Mawanda was Elgon County MP Nyasio Mudimi Wamakuyu. While specific details of the interrogation remain undisclosed, Mawanda was subsequently taken to Nateete Police Station yesterday around 6:30 pm.
He was escorted by heavily-armed counter-terrorism personnel and led, handcuffed, to a detention center where he is expected to spend the night.
Allegations of Financial Mismanagement
Mawanda’s involvement centers around the West Mengo Growers Cooperative Society. The cooperative had engaged JM Musisi and Co. Advocates to claim over Shs 14 billion from the Ministry of Trade for losses suffered during Uganda’s past civil wars.
However, despite not being a shareholder, Mawanda advised the SACCO to use M/S Justin Mungoma and Co. Advocates for the claims.
The Ministry of Trade released Shs 2 billion through the law firm recommended by Mawanda, but only Shs 50 million reached the intended beneficiaries.
Muusa Bagala, the accountant of the cooperative, reported to Parliament’s committee chaired by Mwine Mpaka that Mawanda suggested a Shs 50 million token to the SACCO’s leaders.
This money was reportedly received from M/S Justin Mungoma and Co. Advocates at KCB Bank in Kampala.
Further Involvement and Arrests
Meanwhile, MP Nyasio Mudimi Wamakuyu is accused of colluding with the state and other legislators to approve Shs 164 billion for compensation, from which they later benefited.
Testimonies from Buyaka Growers’ Cooperative Society implicated Kirya Co. & Advocates, recommended by Leonard Kavunduria, a Ministry of Trade official.
MP Ignatius Mudimi Nyasio Wamakuyu allegedly received Shs 1.05 billion from the firm.
Busiki County MP Paul Akamba’s re-arrest is also connected to the cooperative funds. Akamba was questioned by detectives at Kibuli regarding his involvement.
In December 2023, State Minister for Trade Harriet Ntababazi informed Parliament’s Committee on Trade and Tourism that up to 30 legislators were under investigation for their roles in embezzling Shs 164 billion.
Ongoing Investigations and Charges
Ntababazi stated, “The CID is handling several files, and it’s not just the Ministry involved. Over 30 MPs, including active opposition members, are implicated. Wherever it ends, let it unfold.”
The recent arrests follow the charging and remand of three legislators to Luzira prison last week over corruption charges.
Yusuf Mutembuli of Bunyole East, Cissy Namujju of Lwengo District, and Paul Akamba were charged with soliciting money from Uganda Human Rights Commission Chairperson Mariam Wangadya.
They allegedly demanded 20% of the anticipated UHRC budget increase for the financial years 2024-2026, claiming they could improperly influence the Budget Committee’s decisions.
These arrests stem from President Museveni’s revelation during the State of the Nation Address, indicating proof of corruption among government officials, from the Ministry of Finance to Parliament.
