MASINDI OFFICIALS DIVERT 200M GRATUITY FUND, IGG OPENS INVESTIGATIONS

By Yosam Gucwaki
www.mknewslink.com
In Masindi
The Inspectorate of Government and the police are investigating circumstances under which over UGX 200M meant for gratuity was diverted.
Cosmas Byaruhanga, the chairperson LCV Masindi today told Masindi district council that IGG and the police picked interest in the matter after Masindi district council and the executive failed to get the exact information concerning circumstances surrounding the diversion of the money.
The money was meant to pay gratuity for three district officials who retired from active civil service in 2016. The officials include; Blasto Byabakama the former district production officer, Milton Mugungu the former district community development officer and late Irene Tumusiime the former Kimengo sub county community development officer.
However, Byaruhanga said that the IGG and the police picking up the matter won’t solve the problem noting that as Masindi district executive have tasked the Masindi chief administrative officer, Christopher Okumu, to devise means and ensure the trio is paid before this financial year ends.
Byaruhanga made this statement after the furious councilors had tasked the secretary for finance, Kanaginagi Ateenyi and the CAO to explain the fate of the three officials with an official report.
The councilors were provoked by the leader of government business, Kassimu Kabagonza, who told council that the ministry of finance planning and economic development had released over 139 million shillings for gratuity and pension to be paid this quarter. He had also indicated that the same ministry has sent over 29 million as funds to pay primary teachers wages this quarter 2017/18.
The councilors demanded for an explanation from the secretary finance Kanaginagi Ateenyi, on whether it was part of the money to be paid to the three pensioners but Kanaginagi said that it was not part something which angered the councilors.

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