Minister’s Relatives Arrested Selling Karamoja Relief Items, OPM Calls for Audit

The Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has directed officials from the Department of Karamoja Affairs to submit accountabilities for the iron sheets that were released.

This follows the arrest of relatives to the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Goretti Kitutu, on Sunday for allegedly selling relief items destined for Karamoja Region under the Affirmative Action Programmes.

Those arrested include the minister’s mother, a brother and a nephew who were found in possession of government-owned iron sheets that were meant to be given to residents in Karamoja as relief items.

In a statement, Keith Muhakanizi, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, noted that this Quarter, OPM through the Office of the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, released iron sheets to support the vulnerable groups, Interest groups, Institutions and “Karachunas” (Reformed Warriors) in Karamoja Region.

However, they did not send iron sheets to Namisindwa District where the suspects were arrested with the exhibits.

He emphasized that all the iron sheets delivered by OPM are intended for vulnerable groups and institutions such as schools, among others.

“I wish to emphasize that all our iron sheets are marked “For Office of the Prime Minister” and are intended for Vulnerable groups, Special Interest groups, and Institutions such as schools, churches, mosques, health centers, storage facilities and shelters for organized community groups for relief and livelihood support,” he noted.

He revealed that the alleged diversion of iron sheets against the intended purpose shall be investigated and action will be taken against perpetuators including recovery and prosecution of those involved.

“The Office of the Prime Minister, as the Leader of Government Business, does not condone corruption in any form including selling of relief items,we will cooperate with the Police during investigations so that the culprits are arraigned in the Courts of Law to answer charges,” Muhakanizi stated.

He noted that they have requested the responsible institutions to speed up investigations.