How Rubanda district officials secretly negotiated to refund misappropriated funds amid corruption probe

Rubanda District’s top officials are embroiled in a corruption scandal, with allegations that they conspired to siphon over Shs 200 million meant for developmental projects between 2023 and 2024.

Chief Administrative Officer Alex Kwizera, Senior Procurement Officer Medard Asiimwe, Production and Marketing Officer Benon Kahangi, and Chief Finance Officer Livingston Natukunda are reportedly in discreet negotiations with government authorities to repay the funds and evade prosecution.

The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) launched a probe earlier this year after an exposé revealed widespread misappropriation of funds earmarked for micro-scale irrigation and apiary demonstration farms.

The four officials, under scrutiny by the CID, allegedly began holding secret meetings in Kwizera’s office to discuss a repayment plan and shield themselves from legal consequences.

Sources suggest the officials reached out to influential figures, including CID Chief Maj Gen Tom Magambo and Director of Public Prosecutions Jane Frances Abodo, in a bid to delay or bury the case files. This has sparked public speculation about whether their high-level connections could protect them from accountability.

Insiders believe Kahangi, as Production and Marketing Officer, was the scheme’s mastermind. Known as the focal person for the misappropriated projects, he is alleged to have forged documents, including goods received notes and signatures from district leaders, to justify the fund’s misappropriation. When questioned by colleagues, Kahangi allegedly remarked, “This is my time to eat; yours will come.”

Upon investigation by the Inspectorate of Government, Kahangi was initially interdicted from his duties but later reinstated, reportedly due to a technicality in public standing orders. His reappointment has raised questions, given the mounting evidence against him.

Natukunda, the Chief Finance Officer, is said to have authorized payments without proper documentation, while Asiimwe, the Senior Procurement Officer, allegedly bypassed procurement procedures and falsified Contracts Committee minutes to push through fraudulent deals. Kwizera, the Chief Administrative Officer, has also come under fire for allowing the transactions to proceed unchecked, with critics questioning whether he personally benefitted.

Under the Inspectorate of Government Act (2005), Anti-Corruption Act (2009), Public Service Act (2008), and Leadership Code Act (2002), any public officer implicated in corruption must step aside pending clearance by the court. Fearful of losing their positions and reputations, the officials are reportedly working to protect themselves and stall proceedings.

With the investigation in a precarious state, the public’s eyes are on whether justice will prevail or if powerful connections will once again shield officials accused of corruption.