Kampala, (UG):– A petitioner has filed before State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) boss Gen Henry Isoke accusing the State Minister of Finance for Investment and Privatization Hon Evelyn Anite, of embezzling funds from the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) to her private hotel, L’Hotel Le Confidentiel.
The petitioner identified as Opolot Donozio alleges that Minister Anite forced the UIA to contract her hotel to supply food during a UIA summit in Nebbi, pocketing over UGX 50 million.
“Hon. Anite forced UIA to contract her own hotel to supply food during the UIA summit in Nebbi. She received over 50m which is a source of conflict of interest,” Opolot alleged in the petition.”
“She owns several hotels among them is L’ Hotel Le Confidentiel whose construction cost is not comusarate with her source of public income. In addition she constantly alters her books to under declare the tax payments. Most of those structures were built by her using funds she siphoned from Namanve Industrial Park with the help of Mr. Alex”
The petition, dated October 4, 2024, also claims that Minister Anite has been involved in various shady dealings, including stealing funds meant for the acquisition of land for the Small and Medium Enterprise Park and Sewerage Treatment Plant in Namanve.
The petition further raises concerns about Minister Anite’s involvement in other shady dealings. Key among others, allocating land irregularly in the industrial park, and using her influence to extort money from companies operating in the area.
Opolot also questions the integrity of the new UIA Board appointed by Minister Anite and Finance Minister Kasaija citing lack of vetting, authentication of academic documents, and relevant experience among its members, including the new Chairman Robert Kyamanywa.
Additionally, the petitioner alleges that Minister Anite illegally terminated the tenure of the previous UIA Board and directed the new Board to reinstate Ms. Amelia Natukunda, whose contract was not renewed due to poor performance.
“Hon. Anite decided to sack the Board of UIA for failing to implement her illegal directives. Hon. Anite directed the Board of UIA to re-instate Ms. Amelia Natukunda whose contract was not renewed for poor performance,” the petitioner claimed.
“Hon. Anite was fully aware that on top of Ms. Amelia being a non- performer, she also did not have qualifications to serve a Deputy Director Human Resource. When the Board refused to take her directive to reinstate her, she sacked them,” Opolot adds further accusing the Minister of accumulating wealth through corrupt means.
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