Finance Minister Matia Kasaija has admitted to receiving iron sheets from the Office of the Prime Minister.
On February 15, legislators under the Karamoja Parliamentary Group (KPG) accused the Office of the Prime Minister of diverting iron sheets, goats, and foods that were meant to benefit Karamoja residents, who in the recent past were affected by starvation and spates of insecurity.
Ministers that include, Matia Kasaija, Rebecca Kadaga, Amos Lugolobi, Moriku Kaducu, Jacob Oboth Oboth, and Obua Dennis Hanson, among others, were named as beneficiaries of the iron sheets.
On Monday, the Parliamentary Presidential and Foreign Affairs Committee began inquiries into the matter. Karamoja leaders were the first to appear before the committee and revealed that only 1,000 of an expected consignment of 100,000 iron sheets had been supplied to the region.
This afternoon, Kasaija also appeared before the committee said claimed that he does not know how the iron sheets found their way into his compound in Kibaale
“I did not request for the iron sheets but I received a call from an official from the Office of the Prime Minister informing me of how they were to deliver iron sheets to me,” said Kasaija.
“I first received 450 iron sheets, and I donated some to a school in my constituency. I have a balance, and I don’t know where to put them,” he added.
Kasaija further stated that he was, however, shocked to find 300 iron sheets in his compound.
“I am totally innocent. I never asked for the iron sheets. The iron sheets found themselves in my compound,” the minister told the committee.
On Tuesday, Speaker of parliament Anita Among also said that she never asked for iron sheets but she saw them in her constituency.
“I saw iron sheets in Bukedea; I didn’t ask for them, but I ordered that they be given to government schools, innocently. I didn’t open a shop to sell them. Let’s wait for the committee report, and this House will take a decision,” she said.
