MPs Detain Auditor General Officials Over Unaudited US$257 Million ITMS Project

Members of Parliament are demanding answers regarding the lack of an audit for the US$257 million Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) project, which was initiated in 2021. The Committee on Physical Infrastructure, currently scrutinizing the contract awarded to Russian company Joint Stock Global Security Ltd, took the drastic step of detaining two senior officials from the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.

Anthony Kimuli, Director of Value for Money and Specialised Audit, and Martin Bamulumbye, Director of Central Government Audit, appeared before the committee. They were questioned extensively about why the ITMS project, intended for digital motor vehicle number plates, had not undergone any audit since its inception. The committee, chaired by Hon. Mwine Mpaka, expressed dismay at this oversight.

In a letter presented to the committee, the Auditor General, Edward Akol, stated that his office had planned to audit the project in the 2025 audit year. He mentioned writing to the Ministry of Works and Transport in June 2025 for preliminary information. However, the Ministry indicated that the project was managed by a multi-sectoral team under the Office of the President, involved national security, and was still in its pilot phase, with funding solely provided by the Russian company.

This explanation did not satisfy the MPs. “The question is not asking for explanation why it has been audited or not audited,” stated Hon. Fred Jalameso, Ajuri County MP, emphasizing the need for accountability. The OAG officials admitted they had not yet examined the project’s financial aspects, citing the recent receipt of the agreement and ongoing efforts to obtain further documentation. They explained that this information would be crucial for a risk assessment to determine the type of audit required.

Dissatisfaction grew as MPs highlighted the significant gap between the OAG’s communication with the ministry in 2025 and any subsequent follow-up in September 2026. “Parliament relies on you to do investigations. We need value for money,” urged Hon. Moses Attan, FDC representative for Soroti East.

The committee, expressing its displeasure with the explanations provided, ordered Kimuli and Bamulumbye to record statements with the police and remain at Parliament until Auditor General Edward Akol appears to personally address the delay. The committee has also summoned officials from the Ministry of Finance to appear on Thursday, 15 October 2026, to continue its investigations.

Source: Parliament of Uganda