IG orders interdiction of 3 Soroti University officials over UGX 464 millions financial loss

The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has ordered the interdiction of three Soroti University officials for allegedly causing financial loss of UGX 464,693,000 to the institution

The officials include Mr. Robert Magemeso, Bursar, Mr. Abdallah Oyare Shaban, Deputy Secretary, and Mr. Francis Elyebu, Principal Estates Officer who were charged together with Mr. Richard Twebaze, the Managing Director M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited.

According to a statement released by the IG’s office on Wednesday, the trio’s interdiction order addressed to the University Secretary is signed by the Deputy IGG, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria following the arraignment of the accused before the Anti-Corruption Court on 4th June, 2024 on charges of Causing Financial Loss, False Certificates by Public Officers and Abuse of Office contrary to sections 11(1), 20(1) and 25 of the Anti Corruption Act 2009 as amended, under Criminal Case number CO-0073 of 2024.

“They appeared before Chief Magistrate Joan Aciro, the three University officials and Mr. Twebaze were each granted bail of UGX 7,000,000 cash and were also asked to deposit their passports in Court. Their sureties were ordered to execute a non-cash bond of UGX 150m each” the statement reads in part.

The IG said due to public interest demands that while the case against the officials above are still ongoing in Court, they should be suspended from exercising the powers and functions of their offices until the prosecution is concluded.

According to Article 230(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda and Section 13(6) of the Inspectorate of Government Act, 2002, the Inspector General of Government (IGG) may, during the course of his or her duties or as a consequence of his or her findings, make such orders and give directions as are necessary and appropriate in the circumstances.

The officials face up to 7 counts before court which include 3 counts of causing financial loss which is contrary to Section 20 of the Anti Corruption Act, 2009 as amended, Falsifying certificates by public officers which is contrary to Section 25 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009 as amended, 2 counts of abuse of office Contrary to Section 11(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009 as amended and neglect of duty which is Contrary to Section 2(i) and 26(1) of the AntiCorruption Act, 2009 as amended.

According to the statement, Francis Elyebu and Abdallah Oyare Shaban between July 2020 and June 2022 at Soroti University, Soroti, in the performance of their duties as Contract Manager and Deputy University Secretary/Ag. University Secretary for Soroti University, issued a false interim certificate dated June 22 2021 indicating that M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited had completed works warranting a total payment of UGX328,867,000. whereas not well knowing or having reason to believe that their act would cause financial loss to Soroti University.

In relation to the above case, Richard Twebaze between July 2020 and June 2022 at Soroti University, Soroti in the performance of his duties as Managing Director M/s Karf Aqua Engineeing Solutions Limited deviated from the approved structural designs and Bills of Quantities for the installation of a 305 cubic metre tank and tank stand knowing or having reason to believe that his action would cause financial loss of UGX328,867,000 to the Government of Uganda.

Additionally, Francis Elyebu and Abdallah Oyare Shaban between July 2020 and June 2020 being authorized on behalf of Soroti University to give an interim certificate that would determine payment to M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited issued an interim certificate dated June 22, 2021 indicating that M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited had completed works warranting a total payment of UGX328,867,000 knowing that it was false in material particular.

Furthermore,  Francis Elyebu and Abdallah Oyare Shaban between July 2020 and June 2022 being employed as Estate Manager/Contract Manager and Deputy University Secretary/Ag. University Secretary respectively in Soroti University, Soroti in abuse of the authority of their respective offices did an arbitrary act prejudicial to the interests of their employer when they irregularly certified payment of UGX 328,867,000 to M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited.

 Abdallah Oyare Shaban and Robert Magemeso went further on between July 2020 and June 2022 being employed as Deputy University Secretary/Ag. University Secretary and University Bursar respectively in Soroti University, Soroti in abuse of the authority of their respective offices did an arbitrary act prejudicial to the interests of their employer when they irregularly authorized and effected payment of UGX135,826,000 to M/s Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions for the resupply and reinstallation of a 305 cubic metre tank and tank stand at Soroti University in which both above cases was an abuse of their offices.

In addition to that, Francis Elyebu neglected his duty when between July 2020 and June 2022 being employed as Estate Manager and Contract Manager for the supply and installation of a 305 cubic meter tank and tank stand at Soroti University in Soroti neglected his duty to supervise and ensure that M/S Karf Aqua Engineering Solutions Limited Built the 305 cubic meter tank and tank stand in accordance with the approved and agreed upon structural designs and Bills of Quantities.