Secret recordings show Kabale officials planned to steal money through fake water projects. Two key players, water officer Patience Aharinta Twine and procurement officer Mercy Atuhaire, lost their jobs after trying to claim credit for a water system the Diocese of Kigezi had already built. The district received 155 million shillings for a new water project that already existed.
Someone tipped off church leaders, who complained about the scheme. More problems came when Minister Milly Babirye Babalanda visited and saw poorly done work on another water project. Officials also misused 127 million shillings meant for the Burambira water system, which the diocese had already completed.
The recordings capture district chairman Nelson Nshangabasheija telling staff to distribute 52 million shillings among themselves. He also wanted Aharinta fired when she refused to build an unnecessary water system. Chief Administrative Officer John Asiimwe pushed for the direct purchasing of items worth 1.481 billion shillings to pocket extra cash.
Asiimwe denies all wrongdoing, saying staff changes happened for normal reasons. He claims he supported direct purchasing because it seemed easier. District Commissioner Godfrey Nyakahuma says his office has started looking into these corruption claims.
Someone tipped off church leaders, who complained about the scheme. More problems came when Minister Milly Babirye Babalanda visited and saw poorly done work on another water project. Officials also misused 127 million shillings meant for the Burambira water system, which the diocese had already completed.
The recordings capture district chairman Nelson Nshangabasheija telling staff to distribute 52 million shillings among themselves. He also wanted Aharinta fired when she refused to build an unnecessary water system. Chief Administrative Officer John Asiimwe pushed for the direct purchasing of items worth 1.481 billion shillings to pocket extra cash.
Asiimwe denies all wrongdoing, saying staff changes happened for normal reasons. He claims he supported direct purchasing because it seemed easier. District Commissioner Godfrey Nyakahuma says his office has started looking into these corruption claims.
