By Frank Kamuntu
The Directorate of Crime Intelligence in coordination with Kampala Metropolitan East Police, picked intelligence that a number of factory owners, were being frustrated by some unscrupulous officials from the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) who demand for hefty bribes to process and release reports on samples submitted by factory owners to the UNBS laboratory.
Uganda Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga says the task team linked up with employees of HUA HUI International, who own a factory located at Kapeeka in Luweero District, that specialises in the manufacture of sanitary ware products. The proprietors had submitted samples for squatting pans, wash down water closets and wash basins, on the 12.06.2023. The material Analyst Engineer, Sanyu John, claimed the samples had been tested by Okeny David and did not meet the required standards. He demanded for a bribe of Ugx 2m, for them to generate a favorable report in relation to the submitted samples.
”As a result, a trap was set up in Bweyogerere, and the suspect arrested with the bribe. Upon interrogation, he revealed that the bribe was solicited in close coordination with Bawabya Elias and Okeny David, both working in the UNBS Laboratory as technical analysts,” says Enanga adding that the suspect further revealed that his cut was Ugx 500.000 and the balance of Ugx 1.500.000 for the other two.
”The suspects were produced to the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of Corruption c/s 2(a) and 26(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009 as amended and remanded to Luzira,” says Enanga.
Bribery is a form of corruption in which there is an abuse of entrusted power or position for private gain. It is an inducement or reward offered, promised, provided or received, directly or indirectly, to gain any commercial, contractual, regulatory or personal advantage.
Enanga says the act is unacceptable because it affects the ability of Ministries, Departments and Agencies and their respective responsibilities.
”All government officials are required to act honestly, with integrity and to safeguard the public service delivery for which they are responsible,” says Enanga adding, ”As the UPF, we will not tolerate fraud, bribery or corrupt practices and will always strive to respond robustly to reported matters.”
