District authorities in Kasese say they are determined that the embezzlement scandals that have rocked national programs like the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund, Universal Primary Education and the free distribution of malaria drugs do not invade the implementation of the National Agricultural Advisory Services in their district. Wilson Kabisa, the Kyarumba sub-county NAADS Coordinator, has been arrested for embezzling three million shillings meant for the training of farmers in his area. It is alleged that in April this year, Kabisa withdrew 1.7 million shillings from the NAADS district account, claiming that it was to be used to train farmers in Kitabu Parish in Kyarumba on best agricultural practices. In May, Kabisa withdrew 1.4 million shillings from the same account, with the knowledge of the Kyarumba sub-county accountant, and pocketed the money. Julius Baluku, the Kasese District NAADS Coordinator, says he was not surprised by William Kabisa's arrest. He says he has consistently warned his staff about the tough punishments to be meted out to those found guilt of stealing NAADS funds. Baluku warns that anyone else found to be complicit in the misuse of public funds will face the full measure of the law. William Kabisa is being held at Kasese Police Station. The District Police Commander Christopher Kasalawo says investigations are ongoing to arrest others suspected to be part of the NAADS embezzlement ring. Investigations into NAADS coordinators at sub-county and parish level were recently instigated by Joshua Masereka, the Kasese LC5 chairperson. He requested the assistance of the District Internal Security Office and the Resident District Commissioner to investigate the allegations of corruption.
Columbus Tusiime
Freelancer