Records from the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) reveal that a staggering Shs7.1 billion has been swindled from various districts in Uganda’s Busoga sub-region.
This region, long recognised as one of the poorest in the country, has suffered significant financial losses over the past seven years due to corruption and mismanagement of funds.
According to IGG reports, the missing funds were misappropriated under unclear circumstances, with specific districts, including Kaliro, Bugiri, and Iganga, heavily implicated in the scandal.
Kaliro District: Largest Misappropriation Amounting to Shs5.8 Billion
Kaliro District emerged as the most affected, with Shs5.8 billion embezzled by three key officials:
- Godfrey Mutome – Former Chief Finance Officer
- John Wabwire – District Accountant
- Rebecca Kwagala – Principal Personnel Officer
Investigations by the IGG revealed that these officials used the Kaliro Civil Servants Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) as a front to divert funds.
They fraudulently claimed to be servicing loans for civil servants, while in reality, they were siphoning the money for personal gain.
Deputy IGG Anne Twinomugisha confirmed the scheme in an official report, stating,
“Investigations conducted by the Inspectorate of Government found that Kaliro officials deducted money from the district account under the guise of servicing loans for civil servants but embezzled the same.”
Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Kaliro, Mr. Rogers Kiduma, further highlighted the devastating impact of this theft, emphasizing that essential development projects, such as road construction and healthcare services, have been severely hindered due to the loss of funds.
Bugiri District: Shs1.3 Billion Lost Through Fake Engineering Works
Bugiri District was also deeply affected, with Shs1.3 billion misappropriated through fraudulent engineering works. The key suspects identified in the IGG report include:
- Samson Elliot Mugoya – Municipality Superintendent of Works
- Godfrey Balinaine – Engineering Assistant
- Ronald Lwanga – Senior Land Management Officer
The IGG discovered that funds meant for infrastructure development were misused through unexecuted roadworks, ghost purchases, and unwarranted allowances.
Mugoya, in particular, was found to have authorized payments for fuel, allowances, and protective gear such as gumboots and reflectors—none of which were ever used in the intended projects.
In a letter dated July 10, 2024, the IGG ordered Mugoya to refund the stolen money to the Bank of Uganda and face disciplinary action from the District Service Commission.
However, Mugoya has denied any wrongdoing, claiming, “I am not aware of any report from the IGG pinning me.”
Similarly, Ronald Lwanga was implicated for receiving payments for land surveying, an activity already covered by his official salary.
He, too, was ordered to refund the misappropriated funds and face disciplinary action.
Iganga District: Diversion of Educational Funds
In Iganga District, the scandal took a different form, involving the misallocation of government funds intended for education.
The District Education Officer, Mr Baker Kasadhakawo, was accused of purchasing textbooks worth Shs20 million using public funds and then diverting them to Mariam Memorial Primary School, a private institution he owns.
Despite denying the allegations, Kasadhakawo has been instructed by the IGG to reimburse the misappropriated funds.
Legal Actions and Efforts to Recover Stolen Funds
Authorities are taking action against the implicated individuals. Mr. Fredrick Komakech, the Busoga Sub-region Inspectorate Officer, confirmed that some of the suspects have already been committed to the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala.
Efforts to recover the stolen funds are ongoing, with some officials agreeing to repay the money to avoid harsher legal consequences.
Komakech emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “We are steadily recovering money from these individuals, as some have agreed to repay after being taken to court.”
He also urged public officials to desist from corrupt practices, reaffirming that the government has established dedicated offices to ensure that stolen funds are recovered without bias.
Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Transparency
The Busoga sub-region, already grappling with widespread poverty, has suffered a major setback due to these embezzlement cases.
The misappropriation of public funds has paralyzed vital projects, affecting road networks, health services, and education.
While the government, through the IGG, is making efforts to recover the stolen money and prosecute those responsible, the case highlights the urgent need for stronger anti-corruption measures and increased transparency in public financial management.
It remains to be seen whether justice will be fully served and whether the stolen funds will be successfully reclaimed for the benefit of the affected communities.
