KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Mary Goretti Kitutu is in deep trouble after three of her relatives were on Saturday arrested allegedly selling relief items meant for the Karamoja Region.
The suspects whose names were not disclosed to the press include the minister’s mother, a brother and a nephew who were found in possession of government-owned iron sheets in Namisindwa district yet they were meant to be given to residents in Karamoja under the Affirmative Action Programmes.
Owing to the arrest, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has now directed officials from the Department of Karamoja Affairs to submit accountabilities for the iron sheets that were released as investigations into the matter continue.
In a statement released by the OPM Permanent Secretary Mr Keith Muhakanizi, the Office of the Minister for Karamoja Affairs signed and procured iron sheets to support the vulnerable groups, Interest groups, Institutions and “Karachunas” (Reformed Warriors) in Karamoja Region but they did not send iron sheets to Namisindwa District where the suspects were arrested with the exhibits.
Muhakanizi stresses that all the iron sheets delivered by OPM are intended for vulnerable groups and institutions such as schools, among others.
“I wish to emphasize that all our iron sheets are marked “For Office of the Prime Minister” and are intended for Vulnerable groups, Special Interest Groups, and Institutions such as schools, churches, mosques, health centres, storage facilities and shelters for organized community groups for relief and livelihood support,” he noted.
“The Office of the Prime Minister, as the Leader of Government Business, does not condone corruption in any form including selling of relief items, we will cooperate with the Police during investigations so that the culprits are arraigned in the Courts of Law to answer charges,” he added.
Muhakanizi stressed that the alleged diversion of iron sheets against the intended purpose shall be investigated and action will be taken against perpetrators including recovery and prosecution of those involved.
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