IRON | SHEETS | FRAUD

As the debate about the iron sheets scandal rages on, youth leaders from different political divides have asked Speaker of Parliament Anita Among and the ministers alleged to have been involved in the saga to resign.

The cabinet ministers implicated in the iron sheets scandal include Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for East African Community Affairs Rebecca Kadaga, third Deputy Prime Minister Rukia Nakadama, finance minister Matia Kasaija and his junior minister Amos Lugoloobi.

Addressing a press conference at Makerere University on March 20, the youth leaders argued that the ministers implicated in the scandal and the Speaker Among should resign in the public interest having deprived the vulnerable people of Karamoja iron sheets meant for them.

Akampa Tanbull (L) coordinator Youth Coalition 4 a Better Uganda and Generous Kasanda, a youth leader of National Resistance Movement (NRM) during a press conference at Makerere University Guest House compound in Kampala on March 20, 2023. (All Photos by Francis Emorut)

The youth leaders are from the National Resistance Movement (NRM) party, National Unity Platform (NUP) party, Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), Democratic Party (DP) and Alliance for National Transformation (ANT) party.

The leaders, who came together, under the umbrella Youth Coalition 4 a Better Uganda, displayed placards written “Speaker AA should resign”,” no corruption,” “youth want more jobs,” “Parliament has failed to hold government accountable,” among others.

Among has already returned the iron sheets that found their way to her constituency in Bukedea to the Office of the Prime Minister.

Among took responsibility and said the iron sheets were meant for the vulnerable people of Karamoja and not for her constituency after New Vision broke the story on February 13.

Hamid Mubiru (L) of National Resistance Movement (NRM) displays placards reading the Speaker of Parliament Anita Among should resign during a press conference at Makerere University Guest House compound in Kampala on March 20, 2023. Right is Akampa Tanbull coordinator of Youth Coalition 4 a Better Uganda.

The leader of Youth Coalition 4 a Better Uganda, Tanbull Akampa, said his group is going to mobilise 20,000 signatures to urge Among to resign.

He added that Karamoja affairs minister Goretti Kitutu should also resign despite apologising.

President Yoweri Museveni has also been drawn to the saga and reportedly wants the cabinet ministers implicated investigated over the iron sheets scandal.

The President also reportedly rejected the ministers’ explanations, saying they should be charged.

Already the Police Criminal Investigations Directorate has summoned the implicated ministers to record a statement over the iron sheets saga.