Finance Ministry Interdicts 9 Officials, Appoints Acting Accountant General Amidst Fraud Probe

The Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has taken swift action following recent forensic investigations into the diversion of funds intended for debt repayment. 

Nine officials from the Accountant General’s office have been interdicted and an acting Accountant General appointed to ensure business continuity.

In a press statement released Wednesday, Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Treasury, Ramathan Ggoobi, confirmed that the officials were interdicted on February 7, 2025, in accordance with public service standing orders and regulations, after being formally charged in the Anti-Corruption Court. 

The move underscores the Ministry’s commitment to accountability and adherence to procedures while allowing the legal process to unfold.

“This action underscores the Ministry’s firm stance on compliance with procedures and accountability while allowing the due process of the law to take its course,” stated Ggoobi.

To maintain the smooth operation of Treasury functions, Ggoobi announced the immediate appointment of Godfrey Ssemugooma as the Acting Accountant General, leading a team of senior officers overseeing key responsibilities within the Treasury.

The Permanent Secretary urged the public, current and former staff, media, and stakeholders to support the ongoing investigations and refrain from misinformation or actions that could disrupt operations and service delivery.

“The above measures are intended to ensure seamless continuity of Treasury Operations. Consequently, I urge the public, current and former staff, media outlets and all stakeholders to support this process and desist from any acts and/or, attempts that are intended to misinform or misdirect the ongoing investigations and our operations/services,” Ggoobi emphasised.

The Ministry expressed its resolve to emerge stronger from the incident, reinforcing its commitment to financial stewardship for the benefit of all Ugandans.

The statement concluded with a reaffirmation of the Ministry’s mission “to formulate sound economic policies, maximize revenue mobilisation, ensure efficient allocation and accountability for public resources to achieve the most rapid and sustainable economic growth and development.”