The Inspectorate of Government Hon Betty Kamya has commissioned a probe into the Uganda Investment Authority (UIA) in which Finance State Minister for Privatization, Evelyn Anite, and the authority’s board chairperson, Morrison Rwakakamba have been linked to mismanaging of office, embezzlement, abuse of office, corruption and causing financial loss to government.
The investigation which earlier focused on only UIA top officials has been expanded to include Minister of Investment and her close colleague Rwakakamba.
The IG’s spokesperson, Ali Munira, confirmed the probe, highlighting investigations into land allocation to investors, UIA payroll management, and the development of the Kampala Industrial and Business Park (KIBP) in Namanve. Munira told local daily New Vision, “It’s true we are handling the investigations on UIA, some suspects have recorded statements,” without providing further details.
The case, originally handled by the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) in Kibuli under reference number 275/2023, was transferred to the IGG in October last year.
Sources within the Inspectorate revealed that Anite, Rwakakamba, and other UIA officials are required to provide explanations regarding corruption allegations in land allocation and industrial park development.
This website understands that UIA officials Mukiza, who initially recorded statements, shifted blame onto Anite and Rwakakamba, prompting the expansion of the investigation to include them.
In January, officers from the Inspectorate raided UIA offices in Nakaser.
Whereas the IG’s spokesperson declined to provide details, it has been learned that the Inspectorate has taken over investigations into issues previously handled by the CID, including UIA structures over the past three financial years, a detailed list of all permanent staff, contracts, project staff, and the human resource manual.
The IGG is also examining the recruitment processes of Ahmed Busoobozi (Deputy Director Finance), Alice Ndagire (Acting Head of Procurement), Joanitah Kambedha (Documentalist), and Alex Nuwagira (Project Manager). Additionally, they are investigating the recruitment plan, project administration, and duties of Busoobozi, Ndagire, Kambedha, and Nuwagira.
Further, the IGG is probing the disappearance of personal files belonging to UIA Deputy Director General Dr. Paul Kyalimpa and Director of Investment Promotion and Business Development Peter Muramira.
UIA officials have been asked to present approved budgets, departmental workplans, quarterly implementation schedules, and a soft copy of the payroll for the past three financial years.
The IGG also seeks an audit trail of those who accessed the Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) and the Integrated Bank of Projects (IBP) system, along with a list of approved pre-qualified suppliers and detailed personnel records of those in acting positions.
The investigation into land allocations involves examining the establishment plan of the industrial park, original and revised bills of quantities, and a requisition of sh14b for paying the owner’s engineer (MBW and PM Excellence). UIA has been asked to provide bank account details and authorized account signatories.
The IGG is also investigating a letter of termination of the owner’s engineer and documents related to land allocation to Tirupati Uganda Limited, which filed a suit against UIA in 2021 and won the case in July last year.
The probe also extends to how land allocations to investors at Namanve industrial park were conducted and the requisition of sh9b in taxes for the contractor (Dott-Lagan). The IGG is investigating how the Uganda Revenue Authority assessed these taxes.
Minister Anite told New Vision that she was aware of the IGG investigations but stated she had not yet been contacted to record statements. “She has not called me yet. I am looking forward to her calling me,” Anite said.
Additional reporting by New Vision.