FOUR more senior staff of Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) were arrested yesterday as the probe into allegations of abuse of office continues.
By Herbert Ssempogo
FOUR more senior staff of Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) were arrested yesterday as the probe into allegations of abuse of office continues.
Sales manager William Odoch, corporation secretary James Emolu, procurement boss only identified as Ameda and chief engineer Lugya were arrested by the personnel from the Special Investigation Unit (SIU).
They were picked up from UBC head office in Kampalaand taken to the SIU head office in Naguru where they were later freed on bond.
This brings to nine, the number of UBC employees arrested since the probe began over a week ago.
Other staff arrested earlier were the former board chairman, Chris Katuramu, former managing director, Edward Mugasha Musinguzi, finance and administration boss Patrick Luwera, Felistar Bakundaki and Mia Zahura.
Investigation of the suspects starts immediately, according to the unit boss, Grace Akullo.
The Police are investigating several allegations of corruption, which cost the corporation billions of shillings.
Among the claims is the alleged misappropriation of the sh13b, which was approved by the Cabinet to relocate the corporation gadgets from Nakasero Hill in Kampala to Nile Avenue about four years ago.
Part of the money was supposed to compensate 69 people, who resided in the quarters at Nakasero Hill.
The relocation occurred after a portion of the land was given to the Aya Group, to construct the Hilton Hotel.
According to a document drafted by a whistle blower, part of the money for the relocation was misappropriated.
Additionally, senior staff purchased an outside broadcasting van, whose price was reportedly inflated.
The faulty van was purchased at over sh1.7b. It was purchased shortly before the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in 2007.
The purchase, detectives argue, flouted guidelines of the procurement authority. New Vision learnt that only Katuramu and Engineer Lugya travelled to Europe to inspect the van.
“Had the procurement rules been respected, the team should have included more technical personnel to ensure value for money,†a detective said.