The Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja, has clarified the alleged diversion and sale of iron sheets that were meant to benefit the vulnerable groups in Karamoja sub-region.
According to Nabbanja, the iron sheets in question were procured by the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs, and the Office of the Prime Minister served as a collection center since it is a home for many affirmative action ministries.
“Please note that the Prime Minister’s office is the home of many affirmative action ministries, including Karamoja Affairs, Bunyoro Affairs, Teso Affairs, Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, Luweero-Rwenzori, Disaster Preparedness, and Refugees,” the statement read in part.
The Prime Minister noted that the affirmative action ministries are involved in procuring several items, including iron sheets, with the aim of crafting specific interventions to bridge the gaps in livelihood and infrastructure in different groups. These items are kept in the same store.
She refuted the claims that the iron sheets that were given to other areas of Uganda from the Office of the Prime Minister were diverted from those of the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs.
Nabbanja clarified that the iron sheets were procured by various ministries to cater for particular responses, including disasters.
“Therefore, it is not true that the iron sheets that were given to other areas of Uganda from the Office of the Prime Minister were diverted from those of the Ministry of Karamoja Affairs, but rather were procured by respective Ministries for specific responses, including disasters,” the statement read.
The Prime Minister confirmed that all relief items are branded with a specific color and wording for ease of identification and to avoid commercialization.
She also said that investigations are ongoing and that her office is cooperating with all agencies involved in the investigations.
Mary Gorrette Kitutu, the Minister of Karamoja Affairs, and some other government officials are currently being investigated over the alleged diversion of iron sheets meant for the region.
Three suspects have so far been arrested by the police and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in conjunction with other security agencies.