pressug.com News 24 7
Related Articles
Post Views: 2
By Moses Andama
In Masindi
www.mknewslink.com—-
Masindi Municipal Council Calls for Investigation into Irregular Supplementary Funds Disbursement
In a letter dated April 9, 2026, Masindi Municipal Council Speaker Tadeo Opio expressed “grave concern” regarding supplementary funds disbursed to the council for micro-projects under the Office of the Prime Minister. The total amount of 18,691,500 UGX was received on December 15, 2025, intended for projects in Central Division and Nyagahya Division.
Opio stated, “Following my earlier communications halting the disbursement of these funds due to observed irregularities, further findings have revealed serious anomalies that necessitate urgent intervention from the Office of the Prime Minister.”
He noted that the municipal agricultural officer, who is the technically mandated authority to oversee agricultural-related projects, was deliberately excluded from the selection and verification process of beneficiary groups.
Opio highlighted, “The officer established that all the purported beneficiary groups are non-existent (ghost) and formally advised against the approval of the funds.”
He further claimed, “Shockingly, the entire process appears to have been irregularly handled by the community development officer, sidelining relevant technical departments despite the projects being purely agricultural in nature.”
Allegations have surfaced that several listed beneficiary groups are owned or influenced by technical officers and political leaders in Nyagahya and Central Division, pointing to a clear conflict of interest and abuse of office.
Opio emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that “credible information has emerged indicating that technical staff are planning to forgo council minutes to legitimize the disbursement of these funds,” taking advantage of the upcoming end of the current council term in mid-May 2026.
In light of these concerns, the council has taken a strong stance, refusing to approve the disbursement of the funds. Opio remarked, “Therefore, I respectfully request that the Office of the Prime Minister immediately recalls these funds to prevent misappropriation, and that a thorough investigation be instituted into the entire process to ensure accountability.”
Additionally, he urged the Office of the Prime Minister to reconsider extending similar funds to Masindi Municipal Council in the future, citing a “lack of integrity in handling public resources” by responsible technical officers.
On March 30, 2026, the Office of the Speaker addressed the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), with copies sent to the PCDM, District Security Officer (DiSO), Town Clerk, Mayor, and others, expressing serious concern regarding supplementary funds.
In that letter, it was noted that “despite the established procedure requiring such funds to be presented before both the executive committee and full council for scrutiny and approval, the principal community development officer, James Mugisa, failed to table this matter before council in time, denying council its lawful oversight and raising suspicion regarding the handling of the funds.”
The letter also asserted, “Whereas the executive committee is reported to have approved the disbursement, the deliberate failure to involve council is irregular and unlawful.”
Due to these issues, the Speaker issued directives to halt any further disbursement of the funds until due process is fully complied with, stating, “The principal community development officer must, within 14 days from the date of this letter, convene the relevant standing committee and present a comprehensive list of all beneficiary groups benefiting from these funds, with the Speaker involved to ensure transparency and accountability.”
Mugisa acknowledged receipt of the letter but declined to comment, stating, “I can’t comment since I have my boss, the town clerk, although I am the one cited.”
