By Frank Kamuntu
Six officials from Ntungamo District have been charged and arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court over allegations of causing financial loss and abuse of office in connection with fraudulent claims on capitation grants.
The joint operation was carried out by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (@AntiGraft_SH) in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP Uganda). The suspects appeared in court earlier today and have been remanded until March 18 and March 20, 2025, respectively.
The accused include:
- Bahati Fred – District Education Officer (DEO)
- Nabaasa Gordon – Municipal Education Officer (MEO)
- Nabasa Rushegyera Abias – Former Headteacher, Ntungamo Primary School
- Komuhangi Allen – Headteacher, Ruhoko Primary School
- Munuunura Bernards – Headteacher, Maato Primary School
- Ntereire Geoffrey – Headteacher, Kikoni SDA Primary School
Inflated Pupil Numbers Exposed
The case stems from an investigation that uncovered a scheme in which the headteachers reportedly inflated the number of pupils enrolled in their schools. These exaggerated figures were then used to claim higher capitation grants from the government. The education officers, tasked with verifying the enrollment data, failed to carry out proper due diligence, and forwarded the inaccurate reports to the Ministry of Education and Sports, leading to the disbursement of excess funds.
Massive Discrepancy Leads To UGX 1 Billion Loss
Findings from the investigation revealed that the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development (@mofpedU) disbursed capitation grants for 124,817 pupils across 249 Universal Primary Education (UPE) schools in Ntungamo District for the 2023/2024 financial year. However, records from the Ministry of Education and Sports (@Educ_SportsUg) indicated that the actual number of pupils enrolled in the district was approximately 80,000.
This discrepancy of over 40,000 ghost pupils resulted in an estimated financial loss of UGX 1 billion to the government.
Ongoing Anti-Corruption Efforts
The arrests and prosecution of the Ntungamo officials highlight the government’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption and safeguard public funds. Authorities have emphasized that they will continue to investigate and prosecute cases where public officials engage in fraudulent practices that undermine public service delivery.
The accused will remain in custody pending their next court appearance as investigations continue.
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