Minister Namera in Budaka District

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.

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.