Police probe Education ministry officials over missing UGX 19 billion
Investigators move in after audit flags massive irregularities in school construction and procurement funds
The Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) is continuing investigations into the alleged disappearance of approximately UGX 19 billion from the Ministry of Education and Sports, reportedly withdrawn over the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 financial years.
According to publicly available information, the funds are suspected to have been withdrawn by a ministry cashier and later distributed to several officials for activities that are believed not to have taken place. At least 16 officials have since been summoned to record statements with police, while others have already been questioned as part of the ongoing inquiry.
No formal charges have been preferred, and the Ministry of Education has not issued detailed financial records regarding the disputed expenditures. Police have also not provided an official update on whether arrests are expected.
Critics have suggested attempts by some officials to shield themselves from accountability, but these claims remain unverified. Officials close to the ministry maintain that the investigation is still active and that no senior figure has been implicated by police at this stage.
The suspected financial loss comes at a time when the education sector faces funding gaps and pressure to improve service delivery, raising fresh concerns about financial controls within the ministry. CID says the investigation is ongoing.
