By Ambrose Kweronda
www.mknewslink.com
In Kabale—
Three Kabale District Local Government officials have been arrested over the alleged disappearance of 102 heifers that were meant to compensate people who vacated protected wetlands in the district.
Those arrested include Elly Niwamanya, the Kabale District Inventory Officer; Beda Mwebesa, the District Production Officer; and Dr. Kamarade Masembe, the Principal Inspector of Local Government in charge of districts. Meanwhile, Naviri Denes, the district Internal Auditor, is reportedly on the run.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) for Kabale, Michael Kyakashari, confirmed the arrests, saying the three senior officials were arrested over the alleged disappearance of 102 cows meant for beneficiaries of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) project.
The arrests followed an audit that uncovered a major discrepancy in the distribution of livestock under a programme designed to support communities that vacated protected wetlands.
Under the initiative, 399 heifers were procured for distribution to targeted beneficiaries across Kabale District. However, while official documents signed by key department heads indicated that all 399 animals had been received in good health, a physical verification established that only 297 had been delivered, leaving a shortfall of 102 heifers.
Kyakashari said Dr. Masembe was directly involved in vetting beneficiaries and distributing the animals, allegedly bypassing local technical staff.
He added that former Kabale Chief Administrative Officer Ronald Mutegeki, who has since been transferred to Luuka District, had also been summoned by police to assist with investigations.
According to Kyakashari, Mutegeki issued correspondence confirming the delivery of all 399 cows just days after his transfer in late December.
Police investigations into the alleged disappearance of the 102 heifers are ongoing.