The Acting Soroti City West Division City Clerk Regina Akello, has been interdicted over alleged Embezzlement, diversion and misappropriation Discretionary Development Equalization Grant – DDEG funds worth Shs130 Million.
In a leaked letter seen by our reporter, the Soroti City Clerk Daniel Christopher Kaweesi in his January 31, 2023 letter directed Akello to stay out of office to pave the way for investigations.
Akello is also jointly accused with Stella Aarakit, the Division Treasurer.
In his letter Kaweesi wrote that, “I have received and perused your response as contained in your letter of ref: CR/SC/157/1 dated 24 January 2023. I have, however, noted that the responses put forward are unsatisfactory. In that regard, I am therefore left with no alternative but to interdict you from duty to pave way for investigations. Take note that this interdiction takes immediate effect,” reads the letter in parts.
He also said that, “While on interdiction you will be entitled to half of your monthly basic salary. Further you shall not be required to leave the country without express permission from me.”
Kaweesi has however assigned James Obore, the Senior Assistant Town Clerk in the Division as caretaker as investigations into the matter continue.
In his statement recorded at Soroti City West Police Station, the deputy mayor Soroti City West Joseph Ochen accuses both Akello and Aarakit for misusing Shillings 130 Million from the DDEG account without the approval of the council or the executive committee.
He notes that the money was meant for the implementation of different projects in the City including the setting of a slaughter slab, completion of staff houses, buying of furniture, construction of water-borne toilets at the division headquarters, and procurement of motorcycles for staff in the Financial Year 2021/2022.
Mr Ocen said notwithstanding the availability of funds, the projects stalled and the money was spent unscrupulously.
He added that a special audit carried out by the internal auditor on the orders of the resident city commissioner (RCC) shows that part of the money was sent in instalments to the Soroti City central interest bank account and some money was sent to the treasurer’s bank account.
Joan Alobo Acom the Soroti City Woman MP called for thorough investigation into the matter saying that despite the interdiction of the staff no formal complaint was initially filed until today when she intervened into the matter.
“You cannot interdict staff without any formal complaint. What type of legacy are we leaving? The Government sends money but few people are mismanaging the funds. The officials must be taken into account and must refund the money,” Alobo said a few minutes after Soroti City West Deputy Mayor wrote a formal complaint.
She has also promised to write to the State House Anti-corruption Unit to take up the matter.
Meanwhile Police in Soroti City West Division have started investigation into the matter under reference number GEF 02/2023 of embezzlement, diversion, and misappropriation of funds.
Also Read: https://tesonewsnetwork.com/2022/12/01/soroti-town-clerk-treasurer-accused-of-swindling-ugx-130m/