Corruption remains a significant challenge to service delivery and public confidence in Uganda. The 12th Parliament and accountability institutions have raised concerns about corruption in local governments, including irregular recruitment, misuse of public resources, and weaknesses in supervision. According to the Inspectorate of Government, Ugandans seeking government jobs paid over Shs29 billion in bribes for local government jobs between 2018 and 2022.
Hon. Balaam Ateenyi has been at the forefront of exposing and arresting government officials accused of embezzlement. He has helped bring to account over 160 officials in various districts accused of misusing road funds, selling jobs, and inflating school enrollment. The Ankole Times has obtained an investigation letter by the IGG, which directed officials to refund misappropriated funds.
Tororo Cement Factory paid Shs45 billion in compensation to families affected by the setting up of the factory in the Tepeth community in Tapac Sub-county. The money was sent to the community through the bank account belonging to NAITA A Tepeth, a community land association. However, most beneficiaries, comprising over 500 persons, were not paid their due compensation as per the guidelines.
Instead, a significant part of the money was paid to non-deserving beneficiaries, while the remaining balance was misappropriated. The IGG has directed Mr. Michael Lokawa, the NRM district chairman for Moroto, to refund Shs90 million that was wrongly paid to him. The question remains whether Mr. Lokawa was the only person who received this money wrongly.
Many people received this money, and their names will be published in a subsequent article. The situation is complicated by the death of Hon. Simon Peter Aleper, who lost his life in a road accident while advocating for better compensation for the community. His death has caused a significant problem for the families that have not been compensated yet.
The families had placed all their hopes in Hon. Aleper, and his passing has left them in a desperate situation. Hunger is biting them harder, and if they had received this compensation, they would have bought cows and obtained milk for survival. This is where Hon. Balaam Ateenyi is being appealed to for help.
The community is crying out for his assistance, and it is hoped that he will take up the matter and ensure that the affected families receive their due compensation. The situation highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in government programs to prevent such cases of corruption and ensure that those who need assistance receive it.
Key points
- Over 500 persons in Moroto District have not received their due compensation for land acquired by Tororo Cement Factory.
- Officials embezzled funds meant for compensation, with the IGG directing some to refund misappropriated funds.
- Hon. Balaam Ateenyi has been instrumental in exposing and arresting government officials accused of embezzlement.
