Ugandan Minister Charged with Corruption in Roofing Sheet Scandal
Ugandan prosecutors have charged a second government minister, Amos Lugoloobi, with corruption-related offenses in a scandal involving the diversion of roofing sheets meant for vulnerable people. Lugoloobi, the state minister for finance in charge of planning, pleaded not guilty to the charges in Kampala. This follows similar charges laid against another minister, Mary Goretti Kitutu, last week. A total of 22 officials, including the vice president, parliamentary speaker, prime minister, and government ministers, are implicated in the scandal, with more expected to be charged.
The scandal was uncovered in February when iron sheets meant for people in Karamoja were found being sold by Kitutu’s relatives. It was revealed that thousands of iron sheets had been distributed among government officials since June. The New Vision newspaper also published a photo showing Lugoloobi’s goat shed roofed with government property.
President Yoweri Museveni has ordered an investigation into the case, showing a rare willingness to tackle corruption in his government. Official corruption is widespread in Uganda, but those involved in major scandals are seldom criminally charged. Marlon Agaba, from the Anti-Corruption Coalition Uganda, praised the charges, citing a culture of impunity among government officials with powerful connections. “We have known government officials to steal billions of shillings, not stealing iron sheets from the poor,” Agaba said. This move marks a significant step towards accountability and transparency in Uganda’s government.
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