In a surprising disclosure, a high-ranking official within the Electoral Commission is now facing scrutiny over an alleged extravagant fuel expenditure, reaching a staggering sum of sh1.6 billion within a mere six days.
The intricate details surrounding this excessive fuel consumption reveal that the implicated officer authorized daily fuel disbursements ranging from Shs70 million to Shs80 million for the finance department, a branch affiliated with the electoral commission operations situated in Kampala.
This revelation not only highlights the potential financial mismanagement within the electoral commission but also raises concerns about the allocation and utilization of public funds. Urgent answers are imperative to address questions regarding the necessity and legitimacy of such exorbitant fuel expenses, ensuring accountability and preserving public trust in the electoral process.
In response to these allegations, the Police’s Criminal Investigation Directorate has initiated a probe into the possible misappropriation of funds at the electoral commission. Eagle Online has obtained documents containing details pertinent to the ongoing investigation.
As of the time of this publication, Joseph Lwanga, the head of finance at the electoral commission, remains the focal point of the police inquiry. Despite attempts to seek clarification, Paul Bukenya, the Electoral Commission spokesperson, declined to comment on the matter, promising to revert, but had not done so by press time.
Repeated calls to Lwanga’s known mobile number went unanswered, adding an air of mystery to the unfolding situation.
In related news, President Museveni has defended the Electoral Commission, emphasizing its role in ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. Meanwhile, as Uganda went to the polls on February 18th, voting activities across most of Kampala and other regions were closely monitored.
Furthermore, in a separate development, the army has taken control of the Gambia Electoral Commission offices, citing disputed circumstances surrounding recent electoral proceedings. The Gambia’s security forces have entered the building of the Independent Electoral Commission, instructing its chairman to step aside amid heightened tensions.
These incidents underscore the importance of safeguarding the integrity of electoral processes and maintaining public confidence in electoral bodies.
