LIRA, UGANDA — The Lira District NRM Chairperson, Hon.Linda Agness Auma, has issued a stern warning to corrupt officials in the district, declaring that she will not remain silent even if the culprits are members of her own party.
Auma made the declaration today while joining the team from the Office of the Minister of State for Economic Monitoring in the Office of the President at Lira District Council, where a baraza was held. The engagement led to the arrest of the Lira District RDC, Ms. Lillian Eyal, the Assistant RDC, Mr. Okello Richard, and the District PDM Focal Person, Mr. Okello Michael, over allegations of misusing Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Auma said she would not allow anyone to steal from her voters.
"I will not keep quiet even if the person is NRM but being corrupt," she said. "I will not allow anybody to steal my voters."
The situation escalated when the team proceeded to Agali to inspect three Emyooga SACCOs, only to discover that they were ghost entities. The three SACCOs were identified as Erute South Welders Association, Erute South Saloon Operators, and Erute South Local Artists.
According to Hon.Auma, the chairperson of these SACCOs reportedly operates through the court, but no physical presence or membership could be verified. She further revealed that the offices claimed by the SACCOs are located in a building she knows well, having witnessed its construction. She stated that the restaurant was meant for her agent, the clinic was for her agents, and the tailoring room was her own room.
"Everyone tries to look for them and they are not there," she said.
Auma who is the woman member of parliament for lira district,questioned how these ghost SACCOs managed to receive second disbursements of Emyooga funds, and who approved them. She called for the Commercial Officer and the CAI (Community Agriculture Infrastructure) to be investigated over the matter.
She issued a blanket warning to all corrupt individuals in Lira District, regardless of their position or affiliation.
"Anybody in Lira District, I will not allow anybody who is corrupt. Whether you are representing the Office of the President, we will not spare you," she vowed.
The revelations add to growing concerns over the management of government poverty alleviation programs in the district, following the arrest of the RDC and other officials over the PDM scandal. Investigations into both matters are ongoing.
