The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has ordered the interdiction of three officials from Soroti University following allegations of causing a significant financial loss of UGX 464,693,000 to the institution.

The officials implicated in this scandal are Robert Magemeso, the University Bursar; Abdallah Oyare Shaban, the Deputy Secretary; and Francis Elyebu, the Principal Estates Officer.

According to a statement released on August 7, 2024, by the IG, the accused are charged alongside Richard Twebaze, Managing Director of M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited.

Elyebu and Shaban are accused of issuing a false interim certificate in June 2021, falsely indicating that M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited had completed works worth UGX 328,867,000.

According to the statement, this act led to significant financial losses for Soroti University.

“The allegations include neglect of duty by Elyebu regarding the supervision of the construction of a 305 cubic meter tank, as well as irregular authorizations for payments by Magemeso and Shaban, which were detrimental to the university’s financial interests,” the IG noted.

According to the statement, the interdiction order was sent to Soroti University.

“The interdiction order, signed by Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, Deputy Inspector General of Government, was communicated to the Soroti University Secretary,” the statement read in part.

“Each of the accused was granted bail set at UGX 7,000,000 and required to deposit their passports with the court. Their surties were mandated to execute a non-cash bond of UGX 150 million each,” the statement added.

The IG emphasized that public interest necessitates the suspension of these officials from their duties while the legal proceedings are ongoing, adding that the charges against the officials detail various counts of misconduct.

The statement comes after the officials were arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on June 4, 2024, facing multiple charges, including Causing Financial Loss, False Certificates by Public Officers, and Abuse of Office, as outlined in Criminal Case number CO-0073 of 2024.

The Inspectorate of Government, under Article 230(2) of the Constitution of Uganda and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, 2002, has reiterated its commitment to addressing corruption and ensuring accountability within public institutions.