IGG to investigate FUFA's Moses Magogo

Nov 26, 2019

The Inspectorate of Government is an independent institution charged with the responsibility of eliminating corruption, abuse of authority and of public office.

PROBE CORRUPTION

Pressure continues building on embattled FUFA president Moses Magogo following his controversial sale of World Cup tickets.

Education and Sports minister Janet Museveni is amongst those who want action taken on the matter and has accordingly written to the Inspector General of Government.

The Inspectorate of Government is an independent institution charged with the responsibility of eliminating corruption, abuse of authority and of public office.

The Minister's October 12th communication was five days later followed by Permanent Secretary Alex Kakooza's letter to the Solicitor General for guidance on the matter.

Magogo is currently serving a two-month FIFA suspension for selling the tickets to US-based associate Howard Schwartz, contradicting Article 21 (2) of the Code of Ethics.

The tickets were meant for Uganda for the 2014 football World Cup in Brazil.

FUFA vice president Justus Mugisha is currently serving as interim boss at Mengo.

As the storm brewed with FIFA's Ethics Committee instituting an investigation, Magogo entered a plea bargain on the matter.

A plea bargain is an agreement in a criminal case between the prosecutor and defendant whereby the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a particular charge in return for some concession from the prosecutor.

Those privy to FIFA laws, however, argue that FIFA Ethics Committee, which entered a plea bargain by mutual consent and handed Magogo a fine of 10,000 Swiss Francs and a two-month suspension, contravened its own regulations.

Article 67(6) states: "No plea agreement shall be allowed concerning sanctions related to infringements of bribery and corruption, misappropriation and misuse of funds and manipulation of football matches or competitions"

"The Permanent Secretary of MoES has sought for legal opinion and guidance from the Solicitor General MoJCS (Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs) on the way forward for government to proceed with this matter in view of the facts and information that have been received on the matter.

I have also requested the IGG to investigate this matter in views of the law of Uganda and take appropriate further action as necessary," reads part of Mrs Museveni's letter, a copy of which The New Vision has seen.

"FUFA as a quasi-public body, registered under the Ugandan laws, is subject to the Laws of Uganda, and this case can therefore also be prosecuted in Uganda under relevant laws related to corruption and embezzlement among others," Mrs Museveni adds.

Makindye West Member of Parliament Allan Ssewanayana petitioned world soccer governing body FIFA over Magogo's conduct.

Ssewanyana also petitioned Uganda's Criminal Investigations Department but no report has been made on the matter by police.

Magogo steps aside as FIFA investigates fraud allegations