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Finance Secretary quits, accuses Jinja District Chairperson of corruption

Jinja District Finance Secretary Mr Samuel Akalyamawa. PHOTO | ABUBAKER KIRUNDA

What you need to know:

  • Mr Akalyamawa alleged that corruption is rampant in the district, with jobs being awarded to those with money or connections to Batwala's home sub-county of Butagaya

Jinja District Finance Secretary, Mr Samuel Akalyamawa, has resigned from his position, citing involvement in corruption by his boss, Mr Moses Batwala, the Jinja District Chairperson.

Mr Akalyamawa alleged that corruption is rampant in the district, with jobs being awarded to those with money or connections to Batwala's home sub-county of Butagaya.

"I have decided to resign from the Executive headed by Mr Batwala because he has failed to refrain from corruption every time I tell him," Akalyamawa said. "The Chairpersons of Service Commission and Land board have for the last four years been coming from Butagaya Sub-County where Batwala hails from, but even when I tried to bring one from my Buyengo Sub-county, he asked me to tell her to bring money first."

Jinja District Chairperson Mr Moses Batwala. Photo | Abubaker Kirunda

Akalyamawa's resignation has sparked concerns about the prevalence of corruption in Jinja District. The Monitor has revealed that key positions in the district, including the Secretary for Works and Chairperson Roads Committee, are held by residents of Butagaya, raising questions about nepotism and favouritism.

"It's unfair to the people of Jinja who entrusted us with power," Akalyamawa said. "I couldn't continue serving on the executive chaired by Mr Batwala because it's reducing the district to the level of the sub-county. People from other sub-counties have limited voices during the sharing of resources."

In response to Akalyamawa's resignation, Batwala seemed unfazed, saying, "Mr Akalyamawa has a right to resign, so there is nothing much I can talk about."

Batwala expressed gratitude for Akalyamawa's service but showed no concern about the corruption allegations, stating that many people are ready to take over Akalyamawa's position.

Akalyamawa's resignation has not relieved him of his position as a councillor, and he has vowed to continue serving his constituents while clearing his name.