Lyantonde District engineer interdicted over fraud

Lyantonde. Lyantonde District engineer Francis Kiwanuka, has been interdicted over alleged embezzlement of funds and abuse of office.
According to the June 6 letter written by the Chief Administrator Officer, Mr David Lubuuka, Mr Kiwanuka’s interdiction stems from his pending trial at the Anti- Corruption Court in Kampala.
“I hereby regret to inform you that you are interdicted from the exercise of powers and functions of the district engineer…” the letter reads in part.

Sabotage of vehicles
Mr Kiwanuka’s troubles started when Lyantonde District Public Accounts Committee released a report which indicated that he had swapped the district vehicle engines after convincing council that they were faulty.
In January, the engineer was arrested and dragged to the Anti-Corruption Court for reportedly swapping two engines of double cabin pick-up trucks with those of saloon cars, without consent of the council.
The two vehicles, whose engines were swapped, are Toyota Helix that was allocated to the district speaker and a Ford Ranger pick-up that belongs to the Water Department.

Last month, Ms Judith Franka Akello, the chairperson of Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee on Local Governments, ordered Mr Lubuuka to interdict Mr Kiwanuka until his case before court is disposed of.
Mr Lubuuka said Mr Kiwanuka’s interdiction was done in accordance with the Public Service Standing Orders to pave way for investigations.
Mr Kiwanuka will be on half-pay during interdiction.
Mr Ali Bongo Damulira, a councillor representing Kooki Ward, Lyantonde Town Council, has welcomed the interdiction, saying Mr Kiwanuka’s actions have been costing the district a lot of money.

A recent financial report released by the district principal internal auditor indicated that rental fees amounting to Shs14.6m paid to the district engineer went missing and he could not account for it, causing a financial loss to the district.
Mr Kiwanuka’s interdiction comes weeks after residents from three villages in Kyewanula Parish, Lyantonde Sub-county, petitioned the State minister for Works, Gen Katumba Wamala, to prevail over the district officials particularly the district engineer.

Other accusations
Residents claimed he failed to supervise construction works on Kempega-Kiwootoozi-Buyanja road thus leading to shoddy work .
The road was completed early last month, but gapping potholes have started to emerge.
The residents also say the contractor used poor quality murram and culverts and whenever it rains, they experience floods.
Gen Wamala has since said local leaders are responsible for the mess and action will be taken against them for failing to carry out supervision.

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