The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has summoned four Ibanda Municipality officials and the former Town Clerk of Ibanda Municipality, Fernard Mukuru Katunda, over allegations of corruption and embezzlement of public funds.
The officials under scrutiny include Chris Birungi, the Principal Treasurer; Robert Tumwesigye, the Environment Officer; Christopher Kato, the Senior Procurement Officer (SPO); and William Ndyanabo, the Principal Health Officer (PHO). Fernard Mukuru Katunda, now serving as the Town Clerk for Busia, is also implicated.
The State House Anti Corruption Unit spokesperson, Natasha Mariam confirmed the development.
"The investigation is in its initial stages. At this point, we cannot provide specific details of the charges against each official," she told the Nile Post during an interview.
A report by the Ibanda Municipality Finance Committee revealed significant financial irregularities. A member who on the committee who preferred anonymity alleged
"Chris Birungi and Fernard Mukuru Katunda mismanaged Local Service Tax funds amounting to shs158 million," the report said.
The report further claimed that local revenue totaling shs 400 million was unaccounted for.
In addition, Robert Tumwesigye, the Environment Officer, is accused of mismanaging shs50 million allocated for a tree-planting project within the municipality.
The Senior Procurement Officer, Christopher Kato, allegedly awarded contracts to himself through proxies, an act deemed illegal under procurement regulations.
Meanwhile, Principal Health Officer William Ndyanabo is accused of mismanaging shs10 million intended for purchasing fuel for garbage collection.
The summons mark the beginning of an investigation aimed at holding public officials accountable. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit is expected to provide more details as the inquiry progresses.
The Ibanda Municipality Finance Committee and the public await action to ensure accountability and recovery of public funds.