A number of Masindi Municipal Council leaders have recorded statements with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) over the controversial procurement of a new municipal vehicle.
The investigation follows concerns over the purchase of a Toyota Hilux pickup, delivered without number plates or supporting procurement documents despite more than Shs 200 million having been approved for the double-cabin vehicle.
The Town Clerk had reportedly released the funds months earlier, but the vehicle remained idle at the municipal headquarters, sparking a petition from councillors.
A SHACU team spent Tuesday and Wednesday in Masindi, recording statements from key municipal leaders. Those interviewed include the Municipal Mayor Ronald Kyomuhendo, the Town Clerk, Finance Committee Chairperson Fatuma Nyangoma, and the Municipal Speaker. The process took place at the office of the Masindi Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Darius Nandinda.
Finance Committee Chairperson Fatuma Nyangoma confirmed she was asked to clarify gaps in documents related to procurement and council meetings.
While she did not reveal the details of what she submitted, she maintained that the documents exist and blamed the Town Clerk for what she termed a lack of transparency.
SHACU officials did not offer an official press statement, but sources close to the inquiry indicated that the issues can be resolved at the municipal and RDC level.
The parties involved have reportedly agreed to cooperate, with council meetings expected to resume next week to address the matter.
Masindi RDC Darius Nandinda confirmed SHACU’s presence in the district but declined to provide further details, noting that doing so could compromise the ongoing investigation.