Minister Balaam Alleges Multi-Million Shilling Financial Irregularities in Mbarara City

Minister Balaam Alleges Multi-Million Shilling Financial Irregularities in Mbarara City

By Octavius Tunanukye #BfmNewsUpdates|

Mbarara City: The Minister for Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, has alleged that millions of shillings of public funds may have been lost through irregular contract amendments in Mbarara City, calling for immediate investigations and legal action against those responsible.

Speaking during his inspection tour under the #ExposeTheCorrupt campaign, Balaam said preliminary findings indicate that several government contracts were amended in a manner allegedly intended to siphon millions of shillings from the public treasury.

According to the minister, the disputed contract amendments do not bear the signature of Mbarara City Mayor, Robert Kachebezi. Instead, he claimed the signatories include key accounting officers such as the Town Clerk, Deputy Town Clerk, former City Engineer, and other officials."We have discovered millions of shillings have been lost in Mbarara City.

"Contracts have been amended aimed at stealing several millions of government funds, but they don't include Mayor Robert Kachebezi's signature. The signatories involve accounting officers, the Town Clerk, Deputy Town Clerk, former City Engineer, among others. These should be investigated, arrested, interdicted and taken to court," Balaam said.

The minister emphasized that all officials found culpable should face thorough investigations, interdiction where necessary, arrest, and prosecution in accordance with the law. Minister Balaam also ordered Mbarara City Mayor Robert Mugabe Kachebezi to submit details of the Engineer behind Katete Bridge Contract worths 1.3 Bn shillings, who should be arrested.

The inspection in Mbarara City forms part of Balaam's regional anti-corruption tour across the Ankole sub-region aimed at assessing service delivery and exposing the misuse of public resources under the #ExposeTheCorrupt campaign.

According to the minister's recently released tour programme, the inspection exercise will continue in Isingiro District on Thursday, Buhweju District on Friday, and Mitooma District on Saturday, where he is expected to monitor government programmes and engage local leaders on accountability and service delivery.

BFM Radio will continue following the tour and provide updates from the remaining districts as the campaign progresses.