news 5 August 2026 Nile Post

Mbarara Procurement Officer Claims Victimization Amidst Sh712 Million Fraud Allegations

Mbarara City's Procurement Officer, Dina Mwije, alleges she was ousted to facilitate alleged corruption, including the mismanagement of Sh712 million in property tax revenue. Her claims surfaced during a heated anti-corruption meeting led by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara. Source: https://nilepost.co.ug/news/361370/mbarara-procurement-officer-alleges-she-was-ousted-amid-billions-of-shillings-fraud-claims

A recent anti-corruption meeting in Mbarara City, led by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara, has brought to light serious allegations of administrative sabotage and corruption within the city’s leadership.

Mbarara City Procurement Officer Dina Mwije claims she was unfairly targeted and interdicted to create an environment conducive to the mismanagement of public funds, particularly billions in property tax revenue.

Mwije, who has an 11-year track record without disciplinary issues, stated that her troubles began after a change in the city’s technical leadership. She was asked to step aside and later interdicted for allegedly delaying procurement processes, a charge she vehemently denies, especially since she had previously received national recognition for her work.

“My senior accounting officer, Justine Barekye, ordered my interdiction,” Mwije stated, adding that the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) later investigated and ordered her reinstatement, finding no wrongdoing.

Upon her return, Mwije discovered that crucial procurement documents were missing, and several contracts appeared to have been processed without proper authorization. She expressed alarm over the absence of procurement files for the 2025/2026 financial year, especially concerning revenue sources.

Furthermore, Mwije raised concerns about the accountability of Sh712 million collected from property taxes, questioning how these funds were managed. Minister Barugahara acknowledged the gravity of the situation, vowing to investigate the missing files and unaccounted funds, including the Sh712 million.

“We cannot allow an environment where performing and clean officers are targeted and pushed out just to give corrupt individuals free rein to misuse public resources,” the minister declared. He assured residents that decisive action would be taken against any officials found guilty of corruption or mismanagement. Investigations are ongoing, with several officials already asked to step aside and some reportedly arrested.