Minister Balaam Dissolves Iganga District Service Commission and Land Committee Amid Corruption Allegations

Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, has taken decisive action by ordering the immediate dissolution of the Iganga District Service Commission and the District Land Committee. This move stems from allegations of widespread corruption and the illicit sale of government land within the district.

During a fact-finding mission in Iganga, Minister Barugahara’s preliminary findings revealed serious irregularities. These included accusations of jobs being sold to relatives and the unlawful disposal of public land. In response, the Minister has directed the arrest and interrogation of several key officials.

Among those implicated are Iganga Municipal Council Town Clerk Eva Turyasasirwa and Iddi Bateganya, Principal Assistant Secretary in the Chief Administrative Officer’s office. Furthermore, former Iganga District Chairperson Gabula Ezera has also been ordered arrested over allegations concerning the illegal acquisition of government land.

Minister Barugahara indicated that at least 20 individuals, including members of the District Service Commission and other district officials, are suspected to be involved in the alleged scandal. He has tasked the Iganga Resident District Commissioner, Eric Ssewandigi, along with the District Police Commander and other relevant authorities, to thoroughly investigate the claims surrounding the sale and fraudulent allocation of public land.

Additionally, authorities have been instructed to begin the process of revoking any land titles found to have been illegally obtained on public land. Preliminary reports suggest the District Land Officer and members of the District Land Board were allegedly complicit in allocating government land to private entities, with some officials accused of processing titles in their own names or those of associates. The investigations aim to uncover the full extent of these irregularities and identify all responsible parties.

This action highlights growing concerns about the management of public land and accountability within local government structures. Authorities are expected to conduct a rigorous review of land transactions and decisions made by the dissolved committees as the investigation progresses.

Source: Nile Post