Health accountant still on leave, says PS

THE acting Permanent Secretary in the health ministry has said embattled principal accountant, Nestor Machumbi Gasasira, was on leave, contrary to media reports that he had returned to office.

By Steven Candia

THE acting Permanent Secretary in the health ministry has said embattled principal accountant, Nestor Machumbi Gasasira, was on leave, contrary to media reports that he had returned to office.

“How do you get back into office when you are still on leave? He is on leave,” Dr. Sam Zaramba said on Thursday.

Gasasira is embroiled in a management row, after the Inspector General of Government queried his huge estate.

The Acting Inspector General of Government (IGG), Raphael Baku, who also maintained that Gasasira was on leave said the inspectorate was ready to defend its position in relation to the case filed by Gasasira against his office.

The matter comes up before the High Court on Monday. This is after Gasasira, on November 2 obtained a court order staying the execution and implementation of earlier orders, decisions and directives of the IGG.

The IGG in October, following the investigation of Gasasira’s wealth, recommended his dismissal from the civil service under the Public Service Commission regulations for failure to explain the source of his enormous wealth.

The inspectorate also recommended that Gasasira’s property found to be in excess of his income be confiscated.