A heated anti-corruption meeting convened by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara on Tuesday in Mbarara City exposed deep-seated administrative wrangles and allegations of deliberate sabotage targeting officials who fight corruption.
The spotlight fell on Mbarara City Procurement Officer Dina Mwije, who accused some officials of victimising her in an attempt to pave the way for alleged mismanagement of public resources, including property tax revenue amounting to billions of shillings.
Addressing the minister and city stakeholders, Mwije narrated her ordeal, which she said began shortly after a change in the city's technical leadership.
"I was asked to step out of office when the city received a new Town Clerk, Justine Barekye. A month later, I was accused of delaying procurement from user departments. I received a sudden interdiction for allegedly sabotaging government programmes, yet I had received a national recognition certificate as the best procurement officer," Mwije said.
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Mwije, who served for 11 years in Mbarara District and four years in Mbarara City without disciplinary issues, claimed her interdiction was an attempt by corrupt officials to remove her because of her strict adherence to procurement procedures.
"My senior accounting officer, Justine Barekye, ordered my interdiction, citing delays in procurement from user departments and accusing me of delaying government programmes," she said.
Mwije said the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) later investigated the allegations against her and ordered her reinstatement after finding no wrongdoing.
"On July 9, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit ordered my reinstatement, and I returned to duty. However, while I was away, a lot happened," she said.
Upon returning to her office, Mwije said she discovered that key procurement documents were missing and that several contracts had been processed without proper documentation.
"When I returned to the office in July, I searched for procurement files for the financial year 2025/2026, but I could not find any files, especially for revenue sources. There were no contracts at all. I wonder how these procurements are being conducted without contracts," she said.
She also questioned the management of property tax collections, citing concerns over Shs712 million whose accountability remains unclear.
Responding to the allegations, Minister Balaam Barugahara expressed concern over what he described as a culture of targeting honest public servants while shielding corrupt officials.
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"We cannot allow an environment where performing and clean officers are targeted and pushed out just to give corrupt individuals free rein to misuse public resources," Balaam said.
The minister directed investigations into the missing procurement files and funds allegedly unaccounted for, including the Shs712 million in property tax revenue.
"If there are people here with information against the city clerk and her deputy Simon Ejua, the Regional CID and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit will remain behind to record statements. Those found culpable will face the law," Balaam said.
He assured Mbarara residents that the government would take decisive action against officials found guilty of corruption, abuse of office or mismanagement of public funds.
So far, 12 officials have been asked to step aside to allow investigations, while two have reportedly been arrested and detained by police.
