MASINDI DISTRICT HEALTH OFFICER ARRESTED OVER MISMANAGED COVID-19 FUNDS

By Innocent Atuganyira

www.mknewslink.com

In Masindi—-

Patrick Baguma the District Health Officer (DHO) Masindi has this afternoon been arrested in Kihande Cell Central Division Masindi Municipality over mismanagement of Covid-19 funds.

The arrest follows the interdiction letter dated 04th of February 2022 addressed to Patrick Baguma by Ms Phiona Sanyu the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Masindi over various issues including failure to account for public resources, and unauthorized use of government resources.

Sanyu stated in the interdiction letter that Baguma has been making false statements, insubordination, disregarding or breaching of laws, regulation and procedures causing loss.

Other issues stated in the letter included acting in a manner that brings service into disrepute, acting against public interest, failure to supervise staff, refusal to comply with lawful instructions, and failure to comply with performance management requirements.

She further stated in the interdiction letter that Baguma’s actions contravene the Uganda Public Standing Orders 2021, and the Code of Ethics and Conduct of Uganda Public Service.

”Based on the above in accordance with provisions of the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders, 2021 as well as the Public Service Commission regulations 2009, you are hereby interdicted from duty with immediate effect,” the letter stated.

Sanyu also stated in the letter that while on interdiction, Baguma will receive half of his basic salary subject to refund of the other half in case the interdiction is lifted and charges against him are dropped.
”You shall not be allowed to frequent the office or leave the country without the permission of the undersigned. Your attention is drawn to the provision of Uganda Public Services Standing Orders, 2021, relating to the handling and taking over office which you must strictly comply with,” the letter further stated.
While addressing journalists after the arrest of the District Health Officer, Ms Rose Kirabira the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Masindi revealed that after receiving a copy of the interdiction letter, she ordered for the immediate arrest of Patrick Baguma.
Kirabira noted that Masindi received a lot of funds including corona virus, hepatitis B, and child fund but there is no clear accountability.
ASP Allan Julius Hakiza the Albertine Region Police Spokesperson confirmed the arrest of the District Health Officer.

”He is in our custody at Masindi Central Police Station, but I’m yet to get the details,” he said.

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