PALLISA MARKET TRADERS HOAXED AS SH70M GOES MISSING
Sep 09, 2009
PALLISA deputy resident district commissioner, Monday Kintu, has asked the Inspector General of Government(IGG) to investigate what he described as “suspected fraud and embezzlement†of over sh70m in Pallisa Town Council.
By Patrick Jaramogi
PALLISA deputy resident district commissioner, Monday Kintu, has asked the Inspector General of Government(IGG) to investigate what he described as “suspected fraud and embezzlement†of over sh70m in Pallisa Town Council.
In a letter addressed to the IGG, Kintu requested that the anomaly regarding the lock-ups be investigated and the truth revealed.
Over 60 traders in Pallisa district are crying foul after paying sh1m each for lock-up shops in Pallisa Town Council in a project that has failed to take off.
“It is over a year since a total of 67 traders each paid sh1m for the lock-ups at the market.
“However, controversy has emerged,†says Kintu, adding that the land which the town council sold out as space for lock-ups does not belong to them.
The traders’ pleas have fallen on deaf ears, causing suspicion of fraud. The angry traders stormed the RDC’s office demanding Government intervention in the botched deal.
“I paid sh1m in March last year hoping to construct a lock-up at the market. It is now over one year and nothing is happening,†says Rajab Masule, one of the affected people.
The angry traders displayed copies of receipts issued by the town council treasurer.
“They sold us air. Now the real owner of the land has filed a case of trespass restricting any developments on his plot. What does that mean to us poor peasants?†asks Amis Munowa, a trader.
Muhamudu Lubega, who claims to own the land has, through Elgon Associated Advocates, warned the town council against encroaching on his land.
In a letter dated July 13, 2009, Elgon Associated Advocates wrote:
“This is to put to your notice that the above said land legally belongs to our client and no transaction shall be legal if made against the said land without permission and consent or due compensation to our client.â€
The New Vision established that the piece of land had been sub-divided into smaller plots.
The district chairperson, Issa Bantalib Taligola, acknowledged that over sh60m was paid for lockups but ruled out fraud.
“Last year, about 67 people paid sh1m each for lock-ups but the physical planner had not given them clearance before construction commenced,†he said.
He adds that as soon as clearance was granted, somebody claimed ownership of the land intended for the market, causing controversy.
He pointed out that it was not true that all the sh67m had been paid.
“This is not an aspect of fraud. Although some money was used, the land owner must be paid to allow construction to start. We are negotiating,†he said.
The town clerk, Pius Epaju, declined to comment on the matter.
PALLISA deputy resident district commissioner, Monday Kintu, has asked the Inspector General of Government(IGG) to investigate what he described as “suspected fraud and embezzlement†of over sh70m in Pallisa Town Council.
In a letter addressed to the IGG, Kintu requested that the anomaly regarding the lock-ups be investigated and the truth revealed.
Over 60 traders in Pallisa district are crying foul after paying sh1m each for lock-up shops in Pallisa Town Council in a project that has failed to take off.
“It is over a year since a total of 67 traders each paid sh1m for the lock-ups at the market.
“However, controversy has emerged,†says Kintu, adding that the land which the town council sold out as space for lock-ups does not belong to them.
The traders’ pleas have fallen on deaf ears, causing suspicion of fraud. The angry traders stormed the RDC’s office demanding Government intervention in the botched deal.
“I paid sh1m in March last year hoping to construct a lock-up at the market. It is now over one year and nothing is happening,†says Rajab Masule, one of the affected people.
The angry traders displayed copies of receipts issued by the town council treasurer.
“They sold us air. Now the real owner of the land has filed a case of trespass restricting any developments on his plot. What does that mean to us poor peasants?†asks Amis Munowa, a trader.
Muhamudu Lubega, who claims to own the land has, through Elgon Associated Advocates, warned the town council against encroaching on his land.
In a letter dated July 13, 2009, Elgon Associated Advocates wrote:
“This is to put to your notice that the above said land legally belongs to our client and no transaction shall be legal if made against the said land without permission and consent or due compensation to our client.â€
The New Vision established that the piece of land had been sub-divided into smaller plots.
The district chairperson, Issa Bantalib Taligola, acknowledged that over sh60m was paid for lockups but ruled out fraud.
“Last year, about 67 people paid sh1m each for lock-ups but the physical planner had not given them clearance before construction commenced,†he said.
He adds that as soon as clearance was granted, somebody claimed ownership of the land intended for the market, causing controversy.
He pointed out that it was not true that all the sh67m had been paid.
“This is not an aspect of fraud. Although some money was used, the land owner must be paid to allow construction to start. We are negotiating,†he said.
The town clerk, Pius Epaju, declined to comment on the matter.