Permanent Secretary orders Interdiction of eight civil servants in Masindi
The interdictions are intended to facilitate investigations into the allegations raised against the officials.
Kampala: The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumamanya, has ordered the immediate interdiction of eight civil servants from Masindi District and Masindi Municipality to pave the way for investigations into alleged misconduct, abuse of office and possible financial impropriety.
The decision follows a visit to Masindi by the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, on October 7, 2026, during which he raised concerns about alleged corruption and irregularities in the two local governments.
In a letter dated October 14, 2026, addressed to Masindi District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Samuel Kaija Ruhweza and Masindi Municipality Town Clerk Paul Omoko, Kumamanya cited gross negligence of duty, abuse of office, mismanagement of public resources and possible financial impropriety among the concerns raised during a meeting with local government officials.
“These issues have significantly compromised service delivery in both local governments,” the letter stated.
Kumamanya directed the two accounting officers to interdict the affected officials to allow investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) and other relevant government agencies.
“Accordingly, it has been decided that the above mentioned officers be interdicted to pave the way for investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) and other relevant government agencies,” the letter reads.
He further instructed the CAO and Town Clerk to implement the interdictions immediately in accordance with Section F-s 14 of the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021, as cited in the letter.
The three officials from Masindi Municipality are Municipal Engineer Eng. John Kasaija, Municipal Health Officer Godfrey Mirimo and Supervisor of Works Robert Magezi.
The five officials from Masindi District are Community Development Officer for Kimengo Sub-county Patience Ayesiga, Acting District Engineer and Water Officer Alfred Ochen, Secretary to the District Service Commission Angela Nyandera, former Acting Production Officer Fred David Ssebuguzi and Supervisor of Works Sunday Joseph.
The interdictions are intended to facilitate investigations into the allegations raised against the officials. The allegations have not, by themselves, established criminal liability.
The interdictions follow Barugahara’s October 7 visit to Masindi, where he ordered the arrest and interdiction of several civil servants over alleged corruption and abuse of office.
Among those he named were Principal Education Officer Sam Peter Ayebale and former District Service Commission Chairperson Benjamin Byarugaba.
Barugahara accused Byarugaba of causing financial losses to the government through recruitment irregularities that allegedly resulted in funds being returned to the central government. He also alleged that some officials had extorted money from staff seeking promotion.
The minister further ordered the arrest of Brian Magara, the Town Agent for Kijunjubwa Town Council, over allegations that he extorted Shs100,000 from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
He also directed the arrest of District Commercial Officer Moses Kalyegira, accusing him of allegedly colluding with another individual to purchase land belonging to Akumulikire Farmers Cooperative, which reportedly has squatters.
Barugahara additionally questioned the management of Emyooga savings and credit cooperative organisations (SACCOs) in the district.
“I am ordering his arrest for also failing to supervise Emyooga SACCOs. How can the district have 54 Emyooga SACCOs, with 21 inactive, even after receiving money?” he questioned.
The minister also directed that Daniel Kasala, the former Town Clerk of Masindi Municipality, be recalled over allegations that he allowed construction of the municipal administration block to proceed without following proper procurement procedures.
“I want this town clerk to be recalled from wherever he is. I want the Town Clerk Kasala and the Municipal Engineer Kasaija to account for Shs383 million so far spent on this project,” Barugahara said.
George Ochanga, the PDM SACCO chairperson for Kimanya Parish in Nyantonzi Sub-county, was also targeted for arrest over allegations of extorting money from PDM beneficiaries.
During a meeting with district and municipal leaders at the district chambers on October 7, Barugahara spared Monica Kiiza, the Acting District Education Officer, after she admitted to inflating pupil numbers at several primary schools.
The reported irregularities included 207 pupils at Kinkingura Primary School, 16 at Kinyara Primary School and 142 at St. Mary’s Kyatiri Primary School.
“The District Education Officer should stop this. We have forgiven her because it is not as extensive as in other areas, but this should be the last warning,” Barugahara warned.
Kaija confirmed receiving Kumamanya’s letter and said he would take action between October 14 and October 15, 2026.
Omoko, however, said he had not yet officially received the communication but was ready to act once it reached his office.
“I haven’t received it officially, but it’s what I am waiting for so that an action is taken. Immediately I get it, an action will be taken,” he said.
The interdictions are expected to pave the way for investigations into the allegations raised against the affected officials as the government intensifies efforts to address suspected corruption and improve service delivery in Masindi District and Municipality.
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