Ms Mary Goretti Kitutu, the Minister in charge of Karamoja Affairs, has apologised for diverting iron sheets that were meant for the vulnerable people in Karamoja region.
In a statement dated March 3, Kitutu said she was sorry for giving the iron Sheets that were specifically procured for Karamoja, to areas outside the region.
“This statement is being made in my capacity as Minister for Karamoja Affairs on the matter of iron sheets procured under my Ministry. Without proper guidance, some iron sheets meant for the Karamoja region were given outside the region in response to requests.”
She noted that this could have been an oversight, adding “but now that guidance has been given, this will not recur.”
Kitutu’s apology comes after her relatives were arrested with Iron sheets meant for the vulnerable people in Karamoja.
In the Financial Year 2021/2022, Shs30 billion supplementary budget was allocated to OPM to support the disarmament process and support the livelihoods of Karimojong youths through the provision of agriculture inputs like goats as an emergency intervention to improve peace and eliminate cattle rustling in the region.
Similarly, the Finance Ministry was in 2022/2023 required to provide Shs135 billion from the Contingency Fund to support households at risk of food insecurity in Karamoja and other parts of the country.
The fund was meant to purchase relief items of maize flour and beans for a period of three months for an estimated population of 518,000 persons.
A Committee on Presidential Affairs chaired by Hon. Jesca Ababiku is currently investigating allegations of mismanagement of relief items meant for the people of Karamoja following a petition by the Karamoja legislators on 15 February 2023.