The recent clearing of Permanent Secretary Waiswa Bageya by the Inspector General of Government (IGG) over the Busega-Mpigi Expressway has sparked controversy. The Ankole Times has urged the IGG to further investigate Bageya's involvement in the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority. The authority, established under the 2007 Northern Corridor Agreement, plays a crucial role in coordinating the movement of goods along a key East African trade route.
The Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority is an intergovernmental organisation that relies on levies and contributions from member states, including Uganda and Kenya. However, there are concerns about the organisation's governance, financial accountability, and oversight. Uganda's Ministry of Works and Transport oversees the authority, with Bageya, as Permanent Secretary, being a member of the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee is responsible for ensuring public funds are used effectively and that policies and procedures are followed. Nevertheless, Bageya and Minister of Works Fred Byamukama have been accused of not addressing reported inefficiencies within the organisation. The Ankole Times claims that Bageya, as PS, and Byamukama have failed to represent Uganda's interests as a member state, potentially being part of the corruption.
A letter written by Bageya, which allegedly stopped the auditing of expenditure at the Northern Corridor, has raised suspicions. The Ankole Times believes that Bageya and Byamukama should be questioned about the alleged corruption and held accountable if found to have prioritised personal interests over the organisation's. Uganda has reportedly lost up to Shs6 billion annually, with no clear explanation of where the funds are being used.
The Ankole Times' criticism of the IGG's decision to clear Bageya is based on concerns that corruption within the Northern Corridor Transit Authority remains unaddressed. The publication argues that Bageya's reinstatement may require further scrutiny, given his role in the authority and alleged involvement in corrupt activities.
Corruption within the authority has significant implications for Uganda and other member states that contribute to its financing. The IGG's decision not to probe Bageya further has raised questions about the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts in Uganda. The Ankole Times has called for greater accountability and transparency within the authority to prevent further losses.
The controversy surrounding Bageya and the Northern Corridor Transit Authority highlights the need for stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms within Uganda's government agencies. The IGG's role in investigating corruption and ensuring accountability is crucial in addressing these concerns.
Key points
- The Ankole Times has urged the IGG to investigate PS Bageya's involvement in the Northern Corridor Transit and Transport Coordination Authority corruption.
- The authority has reportedly lost up to Shs6 billion annually due to alleged corruption.
- The IGG's decision to clear Bageya has sparked controversy, with concerns that corruption within the authority remains unaddressed.
