The Ministry of Local Government in Uganda has taken disciplinary action against 24 civil servants in Pallisa district, interdicting them over allegations of gross negligence of duty, abuse of office, and mismanagement of public resources. This decision was made following a meeting convened by the Minister of Local Government on October 1, where several issues were raised against the officers. The interdiction is aimed at paving the way for investigations by the State House Anti-corruption unit and other relevant government agencies.
According to the letter dated October 2, signed by Permanent Secretary Ben Kumumanya, the officers are accused of compromising service delivery in the district through their actions. The allegations include gross negligence of duty, abuse of office, mismanagement of public resources, and possible financial impropriety. The Ministry's move is part of a broader effort to address corruption and ensure accountability in local government operations.
Some of the interdicted officers include high-ranking officials such as Mr. Hebert Kirya Sajja, the Chief Finance Officer; Mr. Robert Omukesi, the district Planner; and Mr. Muhamad Samuka, the district Natural Resource officer. Others include Mr. Micheal Okwalinga, the district production officer; Mr. Ronald Omutuju, the District Education Officer; and Mr. George Onyait, the Community Development Officer. The interdicted officers are expected to face investigations into their alleged misconduct.
The interdiction of the 24 civil servants follows an anti-corruption tour by the Minister of Local Government, Mr. Balaam Baruhahara Ateenyi, in Pallisa district. During the tour, some officers were seen hiding, while others faced confrontation with the minister at the district headquarters. The minister's visit resulted in the arrest and charging of several officers for various offenses.
The Pallisa Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Majidu Dhikussoka, and Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Ereu Simon Peter, were also arrested during the meeting. Additionally, the former Chief Administrative Officer, Mr. Felix Majeme, was implicated in the alleged corruption racket. It's alleged that the RDC had been receiving money from the community as fuel facilitation and was part of the racket that shared the funds.
The Ministry's letter was copied to several high-ranking officials, including the Minister of Local Government, the State Minister for Local Government, the Head of Public Service, and the Secretary to Cabinet. The interdiction of the officers is in line with Section 14 of the Public Service Standing Orders 2021, which allows for the suspension of officers pending investigations.
The Ministry's action is expected to help restore accountability and transparency in the district's operations. The State House Anti-corruption unit and other relevant agencies will conduct investigations into the allegations against the interdicted officers. The outcome of these investigations will determine the fate of the officers and the measures needed to prevent similar cases of corruption in the future.
Key points
- The Ministry of Local Government has interdicted 24 civil servants in Pallisa district over allegations of gross negligence, abuse of office, and financial mismanagement.
- The interdiction follows an anti-corruption tour by the Minister of Local Government, which resulted in the arrest and charging of several officers.
- The investigations will be conducted by the State House Anti-corruption unit and other relevant government agencies.
