The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has ordered the interdiction of three Soroti University officials for allegedly causing financial loss of shs464. 7 million to the institution.
The officials include Robert Magemeso, the bursar, Abdallah Oyare Shaban, Deputy Secretary, and Francis Elyebu, Principal Estates Officer who were in June charged alongside Richard Twebaze, the Managing Director M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited.
The interdiction order addressed to the Soroti University Secretary signed by Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, the Deputy Inspector General of Government follows the arraignment of the accused before the Anti-Corruption Court on June, 4 2024 on charges of causing financial loss, false certificates by public officers and abuse of office contrary to sections 11(1), 20(1) and 25 of the Anti Corruption Act 2009 .
According to the charge sheet, Francis Elyebu and Abdallah Oyare Shaban between July 2020 and June 2022 at Soroti University, Soroti in the performance of their duties as contract manager and deputy university secretary/acting University Secretary for Soroti University, issued a false interim certificate dated June 22 2021 indicating that M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited had completed works warranting a total payment of shs328,867,000 whereas not well knowing or having reason to believe that their act would cause financial loss to Soroti University.
They are also accused of falsifying certificates to Section 25 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009 when between July 2020 and June 2020 on behalf of Soroti issued an interim certificate dated June 22, 2021 indicating that M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited had completed works warranting a total payment of shs328,867,000 knowing that it was false in material particular.
Richard Twebaze is accused of causing financial loss contrary to Section 20 of the Anti Corruption Act, 2009 .
It is alleged that between July 2020 and June 2022 at Soroti University, Soroti in the performance of his duties as Managing Director M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited, Twebaze deviated from the approved structural designs and Bills of Quantities for the installation of a 305 cubic metre tank and tank stand knowing or having reason to believe that his action would cause financial loss of shs328,867,000 to the government of Uganda.
The group appeared before Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro and were granted bail.
The Inspectorate of Government says the trio should step aside until the case is concluded.
According to Article 230(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, 2002, the Inspector General of Government (IGG) may, during the course of his or her duties or as a consequence of his or her findings, make such orders and give directions as are necessary and appropriate in the circumstances.
Public interest demands that while the case against the officials above is still ongoing in court, they should be suspended from exercising the powers and functions of their offices until the prosecution is concluded.
