Muhakanizi confirms stealing of iron sheets

By Drone Staff

Relatives of Karamoja Affairs Minister in trouble over stolen relief goods. According to a statement on The Drone Media news desk, and signed by Keith Muhakanizi, the Permanent Secretary in the office of the Prime Minister, the news story by The New Vision, was spot on.

The statement reads: “The New Vision newspaper on Monday 13th February, 2023, published an article about the arrest of relatives of the Minister of Karamoja Affairs including the mother, brother and nephew for alleged sale of iron sheets destined for Karamoja Region under Affirmative Action Programmes.

We wish to assure the General Public that the Office of Prime Minister, as the Leader of Government Business, does not condone corruption in any form including selling of relief items. We will cooperate with the Police during investigations so that the culprits are arraigned in Courts of law to answer charges.

Further, we wish to Inform the General Public that this is Quater, the Office of the Prime Minister, through the Office of the Minister of Karamoja Affairs, released iron sheets to support the vulnerable groups, interest groups, institutions and “Karachunas” ( Reformed Warriors) in Karamoja Region.
However, we did not send iron sheets to Namisindwa District.

I wish to emphasize that all our iron sheets are marked, ” For Office of Prime Minister ” and intended for vulnerable groups, Special Interest groups, and Institutions such as schools, churches, mosques, heath centres, storage facilities and shelters for organized community groups for relief and livelihood support.

The alleged diversion of iron sheets against intended purpose shall be investigated and action will be taken against perpetuators including recovery and prosecution of those involved.

Muhakanizi says they have requested the responsible Institutions to speed up the investigations. In addition, they have asked Officials from the Department of Karamoja Affairs to submit accountabilities for iron sheets that were released.