By Executive Editor
On January 12, 2023, the Minister in charge of Karamoja Affairs, Mary Goretti Kitutu directed the Office of the Prime Minister to release 12, 200 iron sheets meant for the vulnerable groups in Karamoja sub region.
However, in the media recently, it emerged that the iron sheets had instead been diverted to selfish gains.
A leaked four-page document this publication has seen shows that between between January 25 and February 2, 2023; top ministers gifted themselves the said iron sheets. By early February, the politicians had shared 5, 500 iron sheets.
They include: Morika Kaducu (Minister of State for Education) who benefited 200 iron sheets, Rebecca Kadaga (First Deputy Prime Minister/Kamuli Woman Member of Parliament got 500 iron sheets, Jacob Oboth Oboth (Minister of State for Defence) got 300 iron sheets, Rukia Nakadama (Third Deputy PM) received 300 iron sheets, Matia Kasaija (Finance) got 300 iron sheets, Kitutu Goretti (Karamoja) gave herself 3, 000 iron sheets, Denis Hamson Obua (Government Chief Whip) and Ajuri MP got 300 iron sheets, Amos Lugolobi (Junior Minister, Finance) got 300 iron sheets while Bwino Kyakulaga (State of State – Agriculture) picked 300 iron sheets.
The ministers have since come under fire from the appointing Authority.
Well-placed sources say the President is unhappy with the theft and as such ordered for a multi-agency probe. In addition, he has sent his brother and Presidential Advisor on Defence/Security, Gen. RTD Caleb Akandanwaho alias Salim Saleh to Karamoja. Gen. Saleh to Karamoja to clear the mess. Gen. Saleh landed in Karamoja yesterday.
The Chief Government Listener, as he is known, was received by Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, the UPDF Commander, Land Forces.
While it i on record that Gen. Saleh is in the region to focus on food security and operation harmony, deep-throat sources say the retired General is also on an image-cleaning mission after the iron sheets theft by top officials in government.
