Local Government Minister, Rapheal Magezi has ordered the interdiction of Jackson Muhwezi and Deus Nuwagaba, the Treasurer and Engineer Ishaka -Bushenyi Municipal council respectively for on corruption related cases.
He also wants the Deputy Town Clerk, Didas Muhanguzi arrested. Muhwezi and Nuwagaba are accused for of grand corruption and abuse of office while Muhanguzi is accused of failure to account for Shillings 33 million. The treasurer is said to have misused over Shillings 194 million released to Ishaka-Bushenyi municipality by Finance ministry as advance for local revenue in the first quarter of the 2019-2020 financial year.
It is alleged that after receiving the money, Muhwezi single handily allocated it to different sectors without consulting the municipal Finance committee, which is arbitrary. He is also accused of not preparing monthly financial reports that has since created mistrust and suspicion amongst councilors.
While the Municipal Engineer, Deus Nuwagaba is accused of having embezzle roads funds special releases to the council leading to shoddy and incomplete road works. The Minister tasked the implicated officials to defend themselves on the accusations leveled against them on Friday in vain.
He directed Bushenyi Chief Administrative Officer, Marik Mahabi to relieve Niwagaba, Muhwezi and Procurement Officer, Robert Nuwagira of their duties to paveway investigations.
Trouble for the officials started after the Mayor, Jackson Kamugasha and several councilors petitioned the Local government Minister to intervene in the loss of Shillings 194 million local revenue disbursed to the municipality.
On February 28th, 2020, councilors resolved to close the Municipal council offices following an extra ordinary meeting to compel the town clerk, William Makune to provide accountability for the funds. Kamugasha says they have reopened the offices as investigations into the matter continue.
The News Editor ,Reporter at Kagadi Kibaale community Radio
