Four Masaka City, district officials arrested in anti-corruption sweep

Masaka City was thrown into disarray on Thursday morning as anti-corruption agencies, led by the state Minister of Ethics and Integrity, Rose Akello, descended on the city headquarters.
The raid, part of a broader crackdown targeting corruption within city and district administration, included investigations into allegations of fraud, extortion, and misuse of public resources across 22 government agencies.
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“This is a fight for accountability,” said Minister Akello, chairperson of the Inter-Agency Forum. “We are here to ensure that public officials entrusted with managing resources on behalf of the people are held accountable for their actions.”
The minister immediately began questioning key officials, focusing on suspicious financial activities and irregularities.
The spotlight quickly turned to Will Ssenkindu , the District Chief Finance Officer, over allegations of fraudulent sales of public property.
During intense questioning, Ssenkindu reportedly provided inconsistent explanations, prompting the minister to order his immediate arrest.
“We cannot allow individuals entrusted with public finances to exploit their positions for personal gain,” Akello declared.
Ssenkindu’s case is just one in a series of allegations that have sparked widespread public anger and concern.
Among the most troubling allegations are those related to the Parish Development Model (PDM) program, which was designed to uplift communities through financial empowerment.
Investigations revealed that John Baptist Matovu, the PDM focal person for Masaka District, had reportedly demanded bribes ranging from shs100,000 to shs 150,000 to include members as beneficiaries.
“This is a betrayal of trust,” said a resident of Sunga Parish, where Chairperson Kironde Francis and Parish Chief Joseph Akungizibwe are also accused of extorting shs100,000 from farmers.
Nuliat Nabulime , a member of the Sunga Coffee Farmers Group, shared her experience.
“I refused to pay the bribe, and my name was removed from the beneficiary list.”
In Makonzi Parish, the scale of corruption was even more staggering. Allegations surfaced that Parish Chief Jjumba Peter and SACCO Chairperson Bbaale Joseph demanded up to shs950,000 from beneficiaries, siphoning funds intended to improve livelihoods.
The education sector has also come under scrutiny following reports that City Education Officer Kakeeto Stephen and City Service Commission Secretary Senfuka Charles demanded bribes from teachers seeking employment.
“Teachers were asked to pay up to shs 1,000,000 to secure jobs,” said a source familiar with the investigations. “Many victims fear retaliation and are reluctant to cooperate with authorities.”
The extortion has not only drained individuals financially but has also fostered a culture of fear among prospective employees, further undermining public trust in government institutions.
Illegal land transactions have emerged as another area of concern, with investigations revealing the fraudulent transfer of Plot 9 in Masaka, a property initially designated for community development.
The land, funded by Yellow Knife City, Canada, was meant to support women’s development initiatives under the Masaka Municipal Council Women Development Association (MMCWDA).
However, Assistant RDC Nankyanzi Sarah and Namuddu Teddy allegedly transferred the property to a company they formed without the city authority's consent.
“This was a blatant disregard for due process and a betrayal of the women who were supposed to benefit from this initiative,” said a local activist.
Documentation confirming the transfer has raised questions about the complicity of other officials and the need for greater oversight.
The controversy surrounding Buddu Block 372 Plot 27 has also put the spotlight on illegal activities involving public land. The property, owned by Masaka District Local Government, has been subjected to fraudulent subdivisions, illegal logging, and vandalism.
RCC Hudu Hussein led an operation earlier this month to stop the illegal cutting of eucalyptus trees on the land. Among those arrested was Kyamanyi Kalumba Ali, also known as Musa Mundu, who was caught with chainsaws and logs ready for sale.
Investigations have linked corruption in the management of this property to Willy Ssenkindu , the same finance officer arrested earlier in the day.
The sweeping raids and arrests have drawn mixed reactions from the public and stakeholders.
While some have praised the anti-corruption drive as a necessary step to restore trust in public institutions, others remain skeptical about its long-term impact.
“This is just the beginning,” Akello said. “We are sending a clear message that corruption will no longer be tolerated.”
Masaka City residents, meanwhile, are hopeful that these actions will mark the start of a new chapter in governance.
“We need leaders who serve the people, not their own interests,” said a local resident.
With investigations still ongoing, all eyes remain on Masaka as the nation grapples with the challenge of uprooting corruption from its public systems.
Although every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty, the Minister of Ethics and Integrity issued a stern warning to the Masaka police leadership regarding the issuance of police bonds to suspects implicated in corruption.
“You have all heard the President's directive—no suspect in such cases is to be granted a police bond,” Minister Akello emphasized. “Let this serve as a clear warning to anyone tempted to ignore this directive.”
Her remarks underscore the government's tough stance on corruption as investigations into misconduct within Masaka City and district administration continue.
The committee has vowed to continue its investigations and has called on the public to provide any information that could aid in holding more officials accountable.