Kampala — DAMIAN Akankwasa, the executive director of the National Forestry Authority (NFA), yesterday resumed work after his annual leave.

This was contrary to reports that he had been suspended on the orders of President Yoweri Museveni.

In a statement, NFA said the executive director to-date not received any documented communication suspending him from duty.

"Akankwasa is executing his duties in line with the provisions of the National Forestry and Tree Planting Act, 2003, under which he was appointed," said NFA spokesperson Moses Watasa.

Akankwasa has been embroiled in a dispute in which he accuses his wife of stealing sh900m.

He says the money belonged to his brothers, George William Akankwasa and John Bagambe and other associates.

"The NFA has not lost any money. However, as a law-abiding institution (if called upon), it is ready to cooperate with an inquiry that seeks to establish the source of the reportedly stolen money," Watasa added.

The dispute between Damian Akankwasa and his wife Juliet is a private matter, according to the NFA statement.

"It is being handled by the law enforcement organs of the State. NFA is, therefore, steering clear of making statements that may draw the institution into the matter."

Akankwasa's lawyers, Kwesigabo, Bamwine and Walubiri Advocates, issued a separate statement saying the money was meant to purchase land in Kampala, adding that the seller went out of the country before concluding the deal.

They said as the seller was being awaited, the money was stolen around the same time Akankwasa's wife disappeared.

The money is said to have disappeared on August 27, but the case was reported at Kira Road Police Station on September 24.

Yesterday, Akankwasa met MPs on the statutory committee and selected NFA staff to embark on a tour of forests in the west and north.

Meanwhile, a senior army officer implicated in the case was on Sunday night questioned at the Kampala Central Police Station.

Maj. Godfrey Kyomuhendo's questioning started at about 7:00pm and ended at about 9:00pm, according to sources.