Minister Barugahara orders arrest of 33 officers in Tororo over corruption
Barugahara said preliminary findings had uncovered irregularities in the Parish Development Model (PDM), payroll fraud with ghost workers in health centres and schools, and misuse of road and water funds.
Barugahara also cited complaints from residents over PDM extortion, where parish committee members allegedly demanded bribes from beneficiaries before disbursing the Shs 1 million revolving fund. (Credit: Faustine Odeke)
TORORO - The Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugaha, wants several officers in Tororo District arrested over alleged corruption, abuse of office and mismanagement of government funds.
The minister issued the directive during his ongoing nationwide anti-corruption tour dubbed "Expose the Corrupt in Local Government", where he ordered their immediate interdiction, investigations and prosecution.
Barugahara said preliminary findings had uncovered irregularities in the Parish Development Model (PDM), payroll fraud with ghost workers in health centres and schools, and misuse of road and water funds.
Presenting his corruption report before the district leaders at the district council chambers on September 19th, the minister expressed shock that several other staff were not on duty in some facilities, yet they continue to earn salaries.
He said several schools inflated the number of pupils enrolled to defraud the government of millions of shillings, while health workers in Tororo Hospital were extorting money from patients to access services.
He has previously issued a 15-day ultimatum for all officials who extorted PDM money to refund or face prosecution.
Presenting his corruption report before the district leaders at the district council chambers on September 19th, the minister expressed shock that several other staff were not on duty in some facilities, yet they continue to earn salaries. (Credit: Faustine Odeke)
He directed the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), the District Police Commander (DPC) and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to ensure that all implicated officials who are on the run record statements and that files are forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions.
The wanted list, among others, includes school inspectors, education officers, senior hospital staff, physical planners and engineers.
The group picked at the rally included:
▪️Francis Tabu, the district inspector of schools
▪️Olotaba Odoi
▪️James Omollo, LC3 Magodes Town Council
▪️Francis Okema, the Tororo Municipal Engineer
▪️Obbo Jakwo, a sub-county chief
Also picked for questioning are three state attorneys attached to Tororo.
The minister also ordered an audit of road funds in the district, after communities reported that garden soil was spread on roads a week before his visit to cover up shoddy work.