Politics 14 April 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
IGG Directs 22 Jinja Southern Division Officials to Repay Shs 33m Unaccounted Funds
The Inspectorate of Government has ordered 22 officials from Jinja City's Southern Division, including the mayor and deputy mayor, to refund Shs 33.08 million in public funds advanced for official duties but never accounted for. This directive stems from investigations revealing failures to provide evidence of activity implementation, as required by financial regulations. Source: https://observer.ug/news/igg-orders-jinja-officials-to-refund-shs-33m-in-misused-public-funds
The Inspectorate of Government (IGG), under Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala, has instructed 22 officials in Jinja City’s Southern Division to return Shs 33.08 million in misused public funds. These funds were disbursed for various council activities but lack proper accountability.
Affected individuals span political and technical roles, such as the mayor, deputy mayor, deputy town clerk, senior assistant town clerk, internal auditors, accountants, community development officers, a probation officer, and ten councillors.
IGG’s Jinja regional office probe confirmed that the officials received facilitation allowances without submitting proof of execution, breaching Local Government Financial and Accounting Regulations.
During inquiries, the officials committed to repayment. Formal orders have been issued, with funds directed to the IGG Assets Recovery Account at the Bank of Uganda, and copies forwarded to the town clerk.
Top amounts include Shs 4.45 million for senior assistant town clerk Christopher Baliraine, Shs 4.06 million for stenographer secretary Esther Kwenala, and Shs 3.84 million for probation officer Phoebe Monica Kwagala. Mayor Nasser Asiraf owes Shs 1.74 million, deputy mayor Maria Babirekere Kasasa Shs 750,000, and deputy town clerk Joy Kasowole Shs 1.75 million.
Councillors must repay between Shs 750,000 and Shs 1.04 million each, while other staff face demands from Shs 400,000 to Shs 600,000.
This recovery effort aligns with IGG’s nationwide push, targeting over 200 officials for billions in unaccounted funds. Recently, Shs 335 million was reclaimed from 62 of 202 defaulters, with more via salary deductions or court orders.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)