Seven Bunyangabu District officers have been interdicted with immediate effect to pave the way for investigations into allegations of gross negligence, abuse of office, mismanagement of public resources and possible financial impropriety. The interdiction was ordered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, following allegations that the officials had compromised service delivery in the district.
The affected officers include Nyakigumba Town Clerk Kenneth Bajenja, Nyakigumba Town Council Assistant Engineering Officer Eng. Joseph Barongo, Kibito Town Council Town Clerk Maureen Kabakoma, Kibito Town Council Assistant Engineering Officer Ronald Mugume, Rwimi Town Clerk Jimmy Mpanga, District Civil Engineer in charge of roads Eng. Wilson Mutegeki and Senior Procurement Officer Patrick Sunday Kalyebara.
The action follows a public baraza organised by the Minister of Local Government, Baram Barugahara, in Bunyangabu last Thursday, during which the officers and other officials were allegedly implicated in activities that compromised service delivery. In a letter issued by Kumumanya, the Permanent Secretary said the interdiction was intended to facilitate investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and other relevant government agencies.
The officers were interdicted in accordance with Section F-S 14 of the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021. The investigations are expected to establish the extent of the alleged misconduct and guide the appropriate disciplinary action. The interdiction is administrative and does not amount to a finding of guilt. The affected officers are entitled to due process as the investigations proceed.