By Mulengera Reporters
This news website has become privy to exclusive information showing why JSC PS Dr. Rose Nassali Lukwago could not escape prosecution by the IGG Irene Mulyagonja this time round over the Shs36m that is said to have improperly been paid out to a service provider while still serving as PS Ministry of Education.
Firstly, this was the 3rd time whistle blowers (former allies) were dragging her to the IG regarding anomalous decisions she sanctioned when still PS at Embassy House. On two earlier occasions, Nassali (about whom regular whistle blowers like Mwenda’s cousin Martin Muhanga knew a lot) was investigated and compelled by the IG to take the option of refunding the money.
On one occasion over Shs2bn had to be inquired into after whistle blowers claimed to the IGG it had been spent on inspection trips targeting schools in Kamuli district and other parts of Busoga. In that case the whistle blower pushing for value for money was none other than the powerful Speaker Rebecca Kadaga. Schools were being built and many officers, including the PS, where advanced money ostensibly to go and inspect works there.
The whistle blower claimed to the IGG that in most cases these were ghost inspection trips that were never undertaken. Long lists of staff were availed and IG investigators summoned all of them; one by one.
Many broke down and told the truth. In return they were permitted the option of refunding the cash and the PS alone refunded Shs70m in one instance. The cash was returned to the consolidated fund.
When this latest matter came up, it was hard for the same PS to be spared or permitted any other option. The timing even made things worse. Why? Whereas in the past, Mulyagonja was in favor of allowing the refund option for those who opted for it, these days the mood at IPS is to sanction prosecution ostensibly to counter Afande Edith Nakalema whose State House Anti-corruption unit has overshadowed everyone in the accountability sector in such a short time.
Some at the IG/Inspectorate these days perceive her as a rival they must compete with because of the big fish cases she has been undertaking in her take-no-prisoners approach. (For comments, call, text or whatsapp us on 0703164755 or email us at mulengera2040@gmail.com).
