KAMPALA, UGANDA: The Minister in charge of Karamoja Affairs, Ms Mary Goretti Kitutu, has publicly apologised over the diversion of iron sheets meant for vulnerable residents in the sub-region.
The Iron sheets of G-28 and pre-painted were meant for various households, interest groups, and institutions (churches, schools, mosques, and health centres) in the Karamoja subregion districts of Moroto, Napak, and Kaabong, among others.
Ms Kitutu made the apology while appearing before the Presidential Affairs Committee which is investigating the issue in what was her second appearance before the MPs on the committee.
“This statement is being made in my capacity as Minister for Karamoja Affairs on the matter of iron sheets procured under my Ministry. Without proper guidance, some iron sheets meant for Karamoja region were given outside the region in response to requests. This could have been an oversight but now that guidance has been given, this will not recur,” Kitutu’s apology reads in part.
The Minister however said that she didn’t know how to handle the distribution of the iron sheets during the committee hearing. However, members of the committee were not satisfied with this explanation and pressed her for more information.
The MPs asked Kitutu where the guidance should have come from and questioned whether there was ever a plan for the supplementary budget of Sh39 billion, of which Shs22 billion was intended for the purchase of the iron sheets that were ultimately diverted.
“Any inconveniences and embarrassments caused are highly regretted. My commitment to serving Uganda as a whole and the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs, in particular, is unwavering. I pray that you accept my sincere apology,” she said.
Kitutu’s apology comes after a recent report revealed that the iron sheets, which were supposed to be distributed to the vulnerable people in Karamoja, were instead given to government officials, including ministers. The report sparked public outrage and calls for those responsible persons to be held accountable.
The committee is expected to make recommendations on how to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future and to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Below are politicians implicated in the Karamoja Iron sheets scandal
PRIME MINISTER ROBINAH NABBANJA
According to a list in our possession, Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja received 2000 pieces of Iron Sheets meant for vulnerable families in Kakumiro and neighboring districts.
She is Kakumiro district Woman Member of Parliament. They were picked from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) using car registration number H4DF 334 on 7th January, 2023. The driver who picked them has been identified as Ntungwameisho Timiseo. Her PA, Bright Alinaitwe signed on her behalf as the receiver.
KARAMOJA MINISTER AGNES NANDUTU
The State Minister for Karamoja, Agnes Nandutu received 2000 pieces of Iron Sheets. She is Bududa district Woman Member of Parliament. They were picked from the OPM using car registration number UAZ 347B on 23rd June, 2022. Her PA, Evelyne Bazibu signed on her behalf as the receiver.
ETHICS MINISTER AKELLO ROSE LILLY
The State Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Rose Lilly Akello, and also Karenga District Woman MP took 800 pieces of Iron Sheets.
On 15th June, 2022, she first picked 500 pieces using car registration number UBE 963S and signed for by her secretary Jane Namaganda.
On 17 June, 2022 car registration number UBH 347L picked up more 300 pieces and were still signed for by her secretary Namaganda.
SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT ANITA ANNET AMONG
The Speaker of parliament Anita Annet Among received 500 pieces of Iron Sheets.
She is also Bukedea District Woman MP. They were picked using car registration number UG 0582Z on 25 June, 2022. The driver who picked them has been identified as Denis Matsiko.
One Amongi, a Headteacher at Bukedea Comprehensive School (BCS) received them on her behalf. They were also witnessed by one John Mwanje who is the school’s storekeeper.
VICE PRESIDENT Maj. (Rtd) JESSICA ALUPO
Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo received 500 pieces of Iron Sheets. She is also the Katakwi District Woman MP. They were picked using car registration number UBE 020L on 17th June,2022. Jacinta, an official in the VP’s office, signed as the receiver.
FINANCE MINISTER AMOS LUGOLOBI
The Minister of State for Finance, Planning and Economic Development, Amos Lugolobi received 300 pieces of Iron Sheets.
He is also Ntenjeru North Mp (Kayunga district). They were picked using car registration number UBG 430S on 15th July, 2022. His PA, John Allan Damulira signed as the receiver.
ST. PETER’S C.O.U PRIEST
Seiko David Serumbugu, the priest of St. Peter’s C.O.U, Kungu in Wakiso district received 150 pieces of Iron Sheets. They were picked using car registration number UBL 243H on 15th July, 2022.
CAO NAKAPIRIPIRIT DISTRICT
According to a list in our possession, on 29th December, the CAO Nakapiripirit district received 3,880 pieces of Iron Sheets meant for vulnerable households.
They were picked using car registration number UG 0344Z/0345Z. The driver who picked them has been identified as Abudallah Sekimwanyi.
Richard Arukor, the PA to Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Davinia Esther Anyakun signed as the receiver.
Still on 29th December, 2022, the same CAO Nakapiripirit district took 1120 pieces of Iron Sheets meant for vulnerable households. They were picked using car registration number H4DF 334. The driver who picked them has been identified as Ntungwamesho Timiseo.
This is the same car and driver that picked PM Nabbanja’s Iron Sheets. Still, Richard Arukor, the PA to Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Davinia Esther Anyakun signed as the receiver.
FINANCE MINISTER MATIA KASAIJA
Finance Minister, Matia Kasaija picked 600 pieces of Iron Sheets. He is also Member of Parliament for Buyanja County, Kibaale District.
Vehicle registration number UBD 983V picked 300 pieces on 22nd June, 2022. A one Francis, a driver, signed as a receiver. On 20th January, 2023, Vehicle registration number UBD 649Q and being chauffeured by John Bosco Tumwine again picked 300 pieces. The minister’s PA, Emmanuel Mbabazi signed as the receiver.
MINISTER MARIA GORETTI KITUTU
The Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Maria Goretti Kitutu received 1500 pieces of Iron Sheets on 1st January, 2022. The same ministry she heads further received 1500 pieces on 17th June, 2022.
Vehicle registration number UAP 343 V and being chauffeured by John Mubiru picked them. Finance Officer Winfred Ndagire signed as the receiver.
More so, on the same date, Vehicle registration number UAS 561 P and being chauffeured by Patrick Basaliza picked 1500 pieces. Ndagire still signed as the receiver.
CHIEF WHIP DENIS HAMSON OBUA
Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua picked 300 pieces of Iron Sheets. He is also Member of Parliament for Ajuri County (Alebtong District.
Vehicle registration number UAS 494U and being chauffeured by J. Muke picked them on 1st February, 2023. The minister’s PA, Wilfred Mwesige signed as the receiver.
MINISTER BWINO FRED KYAKULAGA
The Minister of State for Agriculture Bwino Fred Kyakulaga received 300 pieces of Iron Sheets. He is also MP Kigulu County North-Iganga district.
Vehicle registration number UG 2519A and being chauffeured by James Bwino picked them on 3rd February, 2023. One Susan Alupo (CDU) signed as the receiver.
MINISTER DAVINIA ESTHER ANYAKUN
The Minister of State for Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees, Davinia Esther Anyakun got 300 pieces of Iron Sheets. She is also Nakapiripirit district woman MP.
Vehicle registration number UG 0795Z and being chauffeured by Rashid Kamoga picked them on 6th July, 2022. The same driver signed as the receiver. It should be noted that Richard Arukor, the PA to the same Minister had on 29th December, 2022, received 5000 pieces of Iron Sheets for CAO Nakapiripirit district meant for vulnerable households.
MINISTER JENNIFER NAMUYANGU
The Minister of State for Bunyoro Affairs, Jennifer Namuyangu got 300 pieces of Iron Sheets. She is also a Kibuku district Woman MP.
Vehicle registration number UBJ 720E picked them on 5th July, 2022. One Steven Aipikor signed as the receiver.
CENTRAL YOUTH MP AGNES KIRABO
Central Youth MP, Agnes Kirabo took 200 pieces of Iron Sheets. Vehicle registration number UBL 564Q picked them on 4th July, 2022. Her PA, Moses Kintu signed as the receiver
CAO MOROTO DISTRICT
The CAO Moroto district picked 1000 pieces of Iron Sheets. Vehicle registration number UG 0382Z and being chauffeured by Denis Matsiko picked them on 10th June, 2022.
This is the same driver that picked Speaker Amongi’s Irons Sheets. Teko Christine, the Acting Regional Field Officer signed as the receiver.
CAO NAKASEKE DISTRICT/KINONI C.O.U
These received 200 pieces of Iron Sheets. Vehicle registration number UG 0382Z and being chauffeured by Paul Ssempijja picked them on 7th July, 2022.
Ham Nahurira, the chairperson LC2, Kinoni signed as the receiver. Rev. Festo Mwebaze was a witness.
FINANCE MINISTER HENRY MUSASIZI
The State Minister for Finance (General Duties), Henry Musasizi took 200 pieces of Iron Sheets. Vehicle registration number UBL 497G picked them on 24th June 2022. His PA, Martin Turyagyenda, signed as the receiver.
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