UNRA weighbridge managers corrupt - witness

By Pascal Kwesiga

PROF. Justine Opio Epelu, a former deputy Vice Chancellor at Makerere University has said weighbridges are mismanaged because of the absence of a central control system and deterrent penalties.

Opio, who served as Makerere University deputy Vice Chancellor between 1997 and 2003 said people employed by UNRA to manage the facilities are unqualified, and that weighbridge managers are corrupt.

"The weighbridges are run by former teachers and people who dropped out of school after doing O and A' levels. I think they should be managed by people with diplomas in relevant fields," he said.

He was testifying before a presidential tribunal at Imperial Royale hotel in Kampala on Wednesday.

Chaired by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, the tribunal was constituted by President Museveni last month to probe allegations of corruption in UNRA.

The chairperson of the UNRA Commission of Inquiry, Catherine Bamugemeire listens to evidence during the hearing. Photo by Eddie Ssejjoba

If the commission finds sufficient evidence of alleged corruption, it will recommend criminal prosecution of implicated UNRA officials and other remedial measures.

Opio said he chaired a commission of inquiry into the management of weighbridges constituted by the then works and transport minister John Nasasira between Jan 1 and October 22, 2009. 

He appeared before the tribunal to present the findings and recommendations of the commission. The report was admitted as part of the evidence by the tribunal.