Solicitor General pins ex-UNRA managers
Mr Christopher Gashirabake, the director of legal affairs at the Solicitor General’s office, appears before the UNRA probe yesterday. PHOTO BY Michael Kakumirizi
Kampala. Former managers of the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) are liable for criminal prosecution for allegedly causing financial loss in billions of shillings during the construction of two roads in eastern region, the Solicitor General has said.
It is alleged that the construction of Mbale–Soroti and Tororo–Mbale roads resulted in loss of Shs100billion due to delays to provide designs and leaving idle equipment on site.
While appearing before the commission of inquiry into allegations of mismanagement, abuse of office and corrupt practices in UNRA, Mr Christopher Gashirabake, the director of Legal Advisory Services in the Solicitor General’s office, said although former UNRA managers left office, they are still criminally liable.
Mr Gashirabake also testified that UNRA executive director, Mr Ssebugga Kimeze, concealed documents from a consulting firm, GIBB Africa Limited, which had advised the roads agency on the amount to be paid upon extension of time.
“To clear a contract, we rely on documents provided by the client. If we cleared a contract with conditions and they are not rectified, that is contrary to the advice of the Solicitor General,” said Mr Gashirabake. About what sanctions to take upon receiving contrary information, Mr Gashirabake said they would seek advice from other arms of government.
Ms Cornelia K Sabiiti, the executive director of the Public Procurement Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA), said they approved payments based on the documents provided by UNRA. She also attributed the delayed contract to poor planning where UNRA mobilised a contractor on site without the designs.
Former director of planning David Luyimbazi was quizzed in regard to failure to provide designs and properly plan for the project leading to delays. He, however, shifted the blame to the Procurement and Disposal Unit (PDU), project manager and the consultant for failing to execute their roles.
Mr Patrick Muhumuza, the former manager in charge of administration, said all the parties involved are to blame for failing to execute their duties.
Deputy lead counsel, Mary Kutesa said they have summoned former executive director Sebugga Kimeze and Mr James Okiror (director projects) to appear before the commission today.
Led by Justice Catherine Bamugemereire, the Commission is investigating the handling of civil works, contracts management, the handling of more roads and areas of procurement at UNRA since its inception to date.
