Budaka Officials Plead to Become State Witnesses in Corruption Probe

Officials arrested in Budaka have offered to testify against others in an alleged corruption network, giving investigators leads into suspected fraud involving infrastructure and public services.

Several Budaka District officials arrested over corruption allegations have asked to become state witnesses and pledged to cooperate with investigators after reportedly admitting they were used in a suspected syndicated corruption scheme.

State Minister for Local Government Justine Nameere said the officials submitted their request in writing and agreed to provide information and evidence to investigators to help establish how the alleged scheme operated.

“This is what we mean by expose the corrupt and clean up the government, we dig to the core,” Nameere said.

The minister made the remarks after spending four days in Budaka with a team of state investigators under the Expose the Corrupt campaign, involving the Police Criminal Investigations Directorate, the Inspectorate of Government and other anti-corruption agencies.

At least five district officials were arrested last week, including the District Health Officer, District Education Officer, District Engineer and Budaka Health Centre IV in-charge Winfred Mutaki, over allegations of corruption and negligence.

Nameere said the officials had agreed to provide evidence to police that could help identify other people involved in the alleged scheme.

“Officials confessed that they were used,” she said.

The minister also hinted at the possible involvement of some local leaders but did not name any individuals, saying investigators were still establishing the facts.

The investigation is examining infrastructure projects in roads, health and education, including a health facility project valued at about Shs645 million.

Nameere questioned how Budaka could continue experiencing poor road infrastructure if funds allocated for development were being properly utilised.

The probe has also uncovered what investigators described as a ghost position, where a post was reportedly presented as occupied despite no officer actually holding it, with another person allegedly signing documents on behalf of the purported employee.

The District Health Officer reportedly acknowledged lapses in supervision and agreed to assist investigators.

Nameere said the official admitted failing to take action in some instances because he feared antagonising doctors and health facility in-charges, despite having the authority to address the problems.

She urged public servants to take responsibility for their duties, saying government officials must act on the responsibilities entrusted to them.

The minister also defended the investigation against critics who she said were attempting to frustrate accountability efforts.

“We shall not succumb to blackmail over people holding government at ransom,” Nameere said.

The information and evidence provided by the officials will now be subjected to further investigation as authorities establish the extent of the alleged corruption and determine individual responsibility.