The COVID-19 relief fund meant for vulnerable groups is still stuck in some district accounts, the state minister for economic monitoring Peter Ogwang has revealed.

During a visit to Kiryandongo on Sunday, Ogwang was shocked to learn that monies that should have been channelled to the needy had not yet been distributed.

“In Kiryandongo, the COVID-19 relief funds meant to benefit the vulnerable persons is still in the district account up to now,” he said.

He warned the leaders in charge against what he described as unacceptable behaviour.

“This sluggishness and incompetence in the civil service must stop,” Ogwang said in a Sunday tweet.

At the beginning of the 42-day lockdown in June this year, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja launched the disbursement of COVID-19 relief cash to vulnerable Ugandans through mobile money. 

The vulnerable among others included boda boda cyclists.  

However, Members of Parliament recently contested some of the beneficiaries of the cash. Notable was Geoffrey Oloya, a resident of Gulu City and the first recipient of the relief cash who confirmed he was a boda boda cyclist. 

It turns out however that Oloya was part of a group of leaders and councillors in Gulu City currently being investigated for receiving the money.