Anti-corruption crackdown: More than 30 district officials face interdiction in Ankole
MBARARA — The government has moved to suspend a wave of senior local government officials in Ankole after the State House Anti-Corruption Agency recommended their interdiction to pave the way for investigations into alleged high-level corruption.
The officials are from Isingiro District, Buhweju District and Mbarara City, following investigations conducted during the “Expose the Corrupt” campaign in the region.
The recommendations have been forwarded to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, with the proposed interdictions intended to ensure that investigations are conducted independently and without interference from officials under scrutiny.
In Isingiro, eight officials have been named.
They include Chief Administrative Officer Alice Asiimwe Rushure, Chief Finance Officer Innocent Byagagire, District Procurement Officer Frank Kamwine, District Engineer Mishaki Ayebazibwe, District Natural Resources Officer Emmanuel Bwengye, District Veterinary Officer Dr Bruhan Kasozi, Principal Assistant Secretary Aloysius Gumisiriza and District Commercial Officer Patrick Musinguzi.
In Buhweju, the agency has recommended action against Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Katambakyi Swizen, District Production Officer Flavia Nshemerirwe and District Health Officer Prudence Atukunda.
Others are Assistant Nursing Officer John Byamukama, midwives Lilian Musimenta and Julian Tusasire, Assistant Nursing Officer Aurellia Katushabe, SAS/Town Clerk of Nsika Town Council Gastone Bainemugisha, Senior Education Assistant Gilbert Twinomuhoozi, District Internal Auditor Charles Twinomugisha and a District Physical Planner whose name is yet to be confirmed.
Mbarara City has also come under the spotlight, with nine officials recommended for interdiction.
They include Town Clerk Justine Barekye, City Commercial/Trade Officer Allan Karakure, Natural Resources Officer Sancho Niwagaba, Community Development Officer Mirabel Kabeigarire, City Health Officer Longino Mugisha, Finance Officer Dunant Kamugisha, Procurement Officer Edgar Atwine, Revenue Officer Samuel Rwakinanga and City Engineer Ben Tumwijukye.
The breadth of the recommendations places key administrative, financial, procurement, revenue, health, engineering and natural resources offices under investigation.
Minister of Local Government Hon. Barugahara Balaam Ateenyi said the action is aimed at protecting the integrity of the investigations and ensuring that public resources are safeguarded.
He stressed, however, that interdiction is an administrative measure and does not amount to a finding of guilt.
“The individuals listed are suspects, not convicted persons, and the investigations should establish the facts while ensuring that due process is fully observed,” Balaam said.
Investigators are expected to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and determine whether there was abuse of office, financial impropriety, procurement malpractice, loss of public funds or other violations.
The recommendations represent one of the most significant anti-corruption actions arising from the campaign in Ankole, putting the conduct of local government officials under renewed scrutiny.
Balaam said the government would not relent in the fight against corruption and the protection of public resources.
“Uganda deserves accountable leadership, transparency and quality services for every citizen,” he said.
The investigations will determine whether the allegations are substantiated and whether further administrative or criminal action is warranted.
