A serious corruption scandal has hit the Ministry of Education and Sports, with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) now investigating the alleged theft of Shs19 billion. Over 20 ministry officials have been summoned by police to explain how such a huge amount of public money was possibly misused during the 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 financial years.
So far, eight officials from the ministry’s finance and human resource departments have already been questioned by CID officers at their headquarters in Kibuli. According to Mr. Mark Paul Odong, the CID Deputy Director for Economic Fraud and Anti-Corruption, these investigations are still at an early stage. He said that this first phase is meant to gather information, collect evidence, and find out who may be responsible before any arrests or charges are made.
The suspects include some of the top staff in the ministry, such as the Principal Assistant Secretary for Finance and Administration, senior human resource officers, and a gender technical advisor. Police believe that some officials received funds directly into their personal bank accounts, while others allegedly took cash directly from the ministry cashier for activities that are now under suspicion.
The CID has officially written to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, informing them of the ongoing investigations and the serious charges being considered, which include embezzlement, diversion of public funds, causing financial loss, and corruption.
This scandal has shocked many Ugandans, especially as the education sector continues to face challenges like poor school infrastructure, underpaid teachers, and lack of learning materials. Citizens are now demanding full accountability and justice, as the Shs19 billion could have gone a long way in improving schools and helping students across the country.
As the investigation continues, the nation watches closely, hoping that the truth will be uncovered and that those who misused public money will be held responsible.
