Head teacher, Kikuube top officials probed over missing seed school ICT equipment

Police in Kikuube District have opened up a general inquiry file over missing Nyairongo Seed Secondary School ICT.

The equipment that include a full set of computer, printer and CCTV camera cables, went missing on March 30 - the date they were due for  delivery to Nyairongo school.

According to Albertine Police spokesperson Julius Hakiza, the equipment was in a consignment of 28 boxes but upon delivery to the school, it was discovered that one box was empty.

"When our officers intervened asking the head teacher, Mr Astriko Bendagumize, to record a statement, he refused," Hakiza said.

Mr Bendagumize apparently sobered up by morning after a night in the coolers - he recorded a statement.

"He is still with us as we continue following up on the matter," Hakiza said

Other officials who recorded statements include Kikuube District Education Officer Deo Byakagaba and Sam Kobwemu, office assistant in the office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CA).

The others are Kwesiza Bakanturaki,  the district IT officer, and Emmanuel Mugabi, senior accounting officer.

"These officers have all recorded statements with us, because for starters we are finding out how the items were handed over moreover on a Saturday, a day to Easter," Hakiza said.

"N handover report was made. Why did it happen over the weekend and why is there no report?"

Preliminary investigations show a computer box was found in the office of the CAO. The veracity of the computer remains suspicious and it is said Police have picked interest in CAO Moses Agum as well.

Sources say on learning that police was investigating the missing consignment, officials in the office of the CAO ordered for purchase of a computer in Kampala.

But what was found does not match the original items procured by the government.

"As an accounting officer of the district, but also the fact that a computer was found in his office, we are going to summon him," Hakiza said.

"If he doesn't turn up, we will arrest him because we have also learnt that after procurement, they first kept the equipment at the district before delivering them to Nyairongo Seed Cchool in Kabwoya."

When contacted, Mr Agum declined to comment on the matter, saying it is being handled by police.