The Ministry of Trade in Uganda has found itself at the center of controversy following allegations of misappropriation of funds and inflated costs related to transportation and renovation expenses. In response to the parliamentary committee on trade, tourism, and industry, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Geraldine Ssali, vehemently denied the allegations and provided clarifications on the matter. This article aims to shed light on the Ministry’s position and the ongoing investigations.

Transportation Expenses: One of the key allegations brought forward by the committee was that the Ministry of Trade had used 400 million Ugandan shillings (UGX) to transport documents from Kampala to Entebbe, a distance of approximately 50 kilometers. However, Permanent Secretary Geraldine Ssali categorically denied this claim, stating that only 59.3 million UGX had been used for transportation. She challenged anyone to provide concrete evidence of the alleged 400 million UGX expenditure and even offered to donate her next salary if such proof was produced.

Ssali further emphasized that the Auditor General had cleared the Ministry of Trade of these allegations, pointing out that the correct figure of 59.3 million UGX had been quoted in the Auditor General’s report. She expressed frustration at the misleading claims and urged the committee to focus on substantive matters rather than being led astray.

Disgruntled Officials and Inflated Costs: Regarding the accusations of inflated costs related to the purchase of old cars for ministers and the renovation of the ministry’s offices, Ssali identified Everest Ahimbisibwe, a Principal Assistant Secretary at the Ministry, as a disgruntled official who had been interdicted pending investigations into misconduct.

Ssali accused Ahimbisibwe of having a history of disciplinary cases, including allegations of misappropriation of fuel and threats against a colleague. She dismissed Ahimbisibwe’s claim that 400 million UGX had been spent on transportation, stating that he had been misleading the committee. Ssali further revealed ongoing investigations into Ahimbisibwe’s alleged mismanagement of fuel resources.

Regarding the purchase of cars and renovation costs, Ssali defended the decisions made by the Ministry, stating that they were aimed at benefiting the majority rather than a select few individuals. She alleged that Alfred Lapyem, a former official who raised concerns about inflated prices, was himself responsible for the price inflation. Ssali clarified that the inspection report from the Ministry of Works confirmed the cars’ new status, refuting claims that the vehicles were old.

Conclusion: The Ministry of Trade in Uganda has come under scrutiny due to allegations of misappropriation and inflated costs. However, the Permanent Secretary, Geraldine Ssali, has vehemently denied these claims and provided clarifications to address the concerns raised by the parliamentary committee. Ssali emphasized that the Auditor General had cleared the Ministry of Trade of the allegations related to transportation expenses and defended the decisions made regarding car purchases and office renovations. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen how the matter will unfold and whether any concrete evidence will substantiate the allegations against the Ministry.

For any Opinions, breaking news, Exposes, story ideas, human interest articles or Exclusive inside Stories; email Uganda Daily on: [email protected]