The 2011 bicycle scandal, The procurement deal that cost government billions 

In 2011, Uganda’s Ministry of Local Government was rocked by a corruption scandal involving the procurement of 70,000 bicycles meant for Local Council (LC) leaders across the country.

The bicycles were contracted to be supplied by Amman Industrial Tool and Equipment Ltd, a locally registered company. However, reports indicated that the bicycles were never delivered despite the company receiving about US$1.7 million (approximately Shs4 billion) in government funds.

The scandal sparked investigations and legal proceedings, leading to the prosecution of several government officials accused of involvement in the loss of public resources.

Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, John Muhanguzi Kashaka, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Other officials, including Principal Accountant Henry Bamutura and Assistant Commissioner Sam Emorut Erongot, were also convicted and ordered to compensate government for the lost funds.

The case became one of Uganda’s notable corruption scandals, highlighting challenges in public procurement and accountability in the management of government resources.