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  • Free Uganda
    Keymaster

      Medical workers under their umbrella body, the Uganda Medical Workers Union (UMWU) have decried what they call poor working conditions in the fight against COVID 19 pandemic.

      According to UMWU General Secretary Aggrey Sanya, the medical workers continue to face realistic challenges which are a threat to their safety and lives.

      “Medical workers in hospitals and other health centres continue to work in life endangering conditions without Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The work environment in some health facilities remains appalling; old dilapidated structures and unhygienic,” said Sanya in a statement.

      Due to the increased population without commensurate increase in health infrastructure and health workforce, Sanya said many health workers are crumbling under a heavy workload which is particularly dangerous during the COVID 19 pandemic.

      He called on Government to expedite with utmost urgency the process of providing appropriate PPE to health workers at all levels and in all sectors (both public and private).

      “We don’t wish to see a situation where health workers are dying at the frontline,” he said.

      To minimize the contact between a healthcare provider and a patient, Sanya asked Government to make available the infrared thermometers (temperature guns) at all health facilities at all levels.

      Allowance

      Further, the medical workers asked for risk allowance saying that COVID 19 poses a huge risk to their lives.

      “Cognizant of the special risk to which health workers are particularly exposed, we call upon Government to provide risk allowances not only to COVID 19 Task Force members (some of whom are only working at the level of boardroom meetings without direct exposure) but to all health workers at the risk of exposure from both confirmed and unconfirmed COVID 19 cases in all health facilities,” said Sanya.

      He added that Government should provide enough means of transport during this lockdown to enable medical workers get to their places of work since most of them do not own private cars.

      Furthermore, the health workers asked for relief aid as Government traverses the country distributing relief food to the vulnerable poor who were vehemently affected by the measures put in place by Government to combat the pandemic.

      This Sanya said is because they are fully engaged in the fight against COVID 19 pandemic and cannot have time to engage in other activities to support their livelihood.

      “We would like to remind Government that health workers are some of the least paid workers in civil service. Given that they are now fully engaged at the frontline full time, there is therefore not time and opportunity to engage in other activities to augment their source of livelihood. We therefore call upon Government to consider relief aid (food) for health workers that need it,” Sanya said.

      in reply to: The Members Of Parliament that Betrayed Uganda #204911
      Free Uganda
      Keymaster

        Add Nabakoba for giving wrong news or information to public, refuting reports that the beans that were supplied by Aponye were not of very poor quality !

        Ecweru was at the stores, showed the beans, which also confirmed what people had reported or noticed about the beans.
        Nabakoba was at another place, a village, dismissing the people’s reports, she was showing just one bag that she says she found one peasant having.

        in reply to: The Members Of Parliament that Betrayed Uganda #204910
        Free Uganda
        Keymaster

          Ruhakana RugundaThis is Dr Ruhakana Rugunda the Prime Minister of the republic of Uganda
          Musa Ecweru Minister of Disaster preparedness and relief.
          Hon Mary Karoro Okrut minister in charge of general duties in the office of the Prime Minister
          These people were responsible for the loss of She. 1.9 Billions because of greed and Negligence.
          These people should also be arrested and investigated for the scandels in the office of the Prime Minister. He’s the head of the office, how come his subordinates approved whatever was bought without his knowledge, did he read through what was written or did he inquire about what was going on when the crisis arose? He should either resign or be arrested for negligence. Let the big fish be caught this time. Where was the minister for relief and disaster preparedness??
          Why arrest Christine Guwatudde Kintu the permanent secretary in the office of the prime Minister and fail to arrest Karoro Okrut the one in charge of General duties??
          Ok let’s leave Okrut alone, then why not Hilary Onek the minister in charge of Disaster preparedness and Relief? These people are supposed to sit together headed by the prime Minister and weave ways on how to keep the citizens safe and healthy in the time of disasters like famine floods, landslides, earthquakes, droughts etc. That’s why the govt took sometime without giving food to the people because they were still drafting means of sustaining the communities that’s their job to provide relief.
          These small guys they arrested don’t sit on their own and divide what to do and approve their decisions as well, banange nabanene mubajjeyo we’re tired of these scandles.
          Only 53 cases of Covid19 and 1.9 Billions is gone just like that!!??? No no no action should be taken. We’re fade up

          in reply to: The Members Of Parliament that Betrayed Uganda #204909
          Free Uganda
          Keymaster

            On this day in April (11th) 1979, after 9 scary years of mass murder, torture, disappearances, trickery and betrayals, fear, hopelessness and helplessness including (like today, some giving up and joining in to ‘survive’), Kampala fell – liberated – by a combined forces of Ugandans backed by Tanzanians.

            On that day, like today – as if a dream – David Oyite-Ojok -Africa’s Lion of War – announced (over Radio Uganda) that Idi Amin’s regime had fallen and the country was back….

            For 9 years Amin – backed by Gaddafi – Saudi Arabia (and earlier, Britain & Israel) – had appeared invincible and seemingly never going anywhere after all, except for Libya – his allies – the army he had built was considered the second most powerful in tropical Africa outside then Boer South Africa.

            Looking back and, looking in, while we await the chapter that God delivers with Corvid-19 and, as we look around Uganda and Africa, I am minded that nothing is impossible and certainly, nothing is for ever. Keep hope alive; Uganda is possible, just believe in better. (Ochieno)

            in reply to: Politicians Don’t care About Ugandans #204860
            Free Uganda
            Keymaster

              2019 will be remembered as a year which started with Kizza Besigye threatened to “remove” Dictator Yoweri Museveni from power before end of the year! Instead, the year has ended with him declaring to stand against Dictator Yoweri Museveni in 2021 general elections! Not only does Kizza Besigye know that he will lose for the 5th time, but he is also the man who says that elections can’t remove Dictator Yoweri Museveni from power! So why is he standing again?

              Kizza Besigye with due respect told FDC supporters that “he is not fighting for them, but he’s fighting to liberate himself”! That’s very funny!! What is it that Kizza Besigye is liberating himself from when he has businesses running, getting gov’t contracts, and his wife gets high profile jobs supported by President Dictator Yoweri Museveni?
              If Kizza Besigye is not fighting to liberate the jobless youths, the mothers who die giving birth, the 350 newborn children dying every day due poor healthcare; if Kizza Besigye is not fighting for the poorly paid police officers and teachers, for the young girls being sold into slavery; for young boys and dropping out of high school every year due to lack of school fees, if he’s not fighting for Ugandans who are losing their lands, then what is he fighting for?

              In Uganda today, we have two struggles! The first struggle is for us who want change and a break from captivity imposed on us by Bushmen who came to power led by Dictator Yoweri Museveni and Kizza Besigye as his personal doctor; both sharing Winnie as their girlfriend! The second struggle, is by those Bushmen who are still fighting to tighten their grip on power, continue plundering the country and enslaving Ugandans indefinitely! So, when Kizza Besigye says that the struggle they fought for is not over yet, at the same time he’s not fighting for the suffering ordinary Ugandans, it clearly shows which struggle he is spearheading!

              In summary, Fellow Ugandans who want change, we all fell for Kizza Besigye ‘s deception in the past, because he was not yet exposed!

              in reply to: The Members Of Parliament that Betrayed Uganda #204792
              Free Uganda
              Keymaster

                Betty NamboozeBetty Nambooze was never legally recruited in DP also. After being caught ready handed with corruption envelop at CBS radio by police in early 2000s, she was taken to jail. Elias lukwago with the help of former ssenkagale ssebana kizito tried their best to save her from the coolers of luzira Prison.

                The high court convicted her but thanks to Elias Lukwago who managed to challenge the ruling and won her freedom on appeal. From there she declared her self a DP member since she was being pursued by Rev. Bakaluba mukasa her fellow NRM member. Mr ssebana helped her with some financial boost after prison.

                So she didn’t enter DP from the smallest unit at the village as she wanted chameleon to do. She also entered from Kampala through Mr. Ssebana kizito and Elias lukwago . Betty Nambooze  you were in NRM working first as Mukyakamukyaka official(Indoctrination) and later as Head of enforcement Mukono T.C. ,when you joined DP from Kampala you also started aspiring for higher position of MP mukono north. So let Chameleon be.

                You and him are the same,both you were in NRM working for Dictator Yoweri museveni, you both entered DP the same way and you all wanted high offices as soon as you entered the party. The only difference between Betty Nambooze  and chameleon is that you left NRM at different intervals.

                in reply to: Tribalism in Uganda is Real #204791
                Free Uganda
                Keymaster

                  THE ACHOLI
                  Rwot Awich reigned as Rwot of Payira Kingdom from 1890-1946)
                  His heroic deeds include:
                  1886: His decisive victory in the war between Pader/Arab/Nubian forces versus Pajule/Payira combined forces sent a strong message to the Arabs. The armies of Pader and their Arab/Nubian allays suffered a humiliating defeat and as a result, when the Arabs were petitioned by Rwt Ogwok of Padibe the following year in 1887, to join Padibe and wage war against Payira, the Arabs were eager to avenge that defeat.

                  The combined Padibe/Labongo/Arab/Nubian force waylaid Rwt. Labwor Rwotcamo-wod-Awino and his Payira convoy. The Arab force was led by Awash Effendi based at Lado while the Assistant Commander was Salim Effendi(s/o Mohamed Effendi).The Padibe force and their Arab allies sprang a surprise attack on Rwt Chamo’s convoy and achieved easy victory as Payira men were caught completely unawares. Rwot Chamo’s convoy was scattered and the people fled in disarray, leaving their king undefended. A Padibe man named Cakai Lukiromoi is said to have been the one who speared Rwt Chamo to death, for which he earned the chivalry ‘moi’ title ‘Lukiromoi’.

                  The Arabs then went on and did what only the Arabs can do best; they beheaded Rwt.Chamo and took the severed head with them. According to another Nubian, Moorjan Effendi based in Gulu at that time the severed head of Rwot Chamo was wrapped in a white linen cloth and taken to Lado via Dupile by non-other than Awash Effendi, the Arab military Commander. It was from Lado that Emin Pasha (Edwardo Schultz), the last Governor ruled Equatoria, from 1878 to 1886, the year Egypt gave up responsibility over Equatoria.
                  1901-1902: Rwot Awich was arrested by Captain Harman and tried by the British Trouble Shooter, Delme Radcliffe (aka Langalanga), so knick- named in Juba (Pidgeon) Arabic because he was restless; he was all over the region, trouble shooting. Following the ruling in that court Rwot Awich was detained by the British colonial administration, more likely because he was seen to be sympathetic to the Omukama Kabalega of Bunyoro.

                  He stubbornly, and rightly refused to repatriate the refugees, Nubians, Banyoro and the Omukama’s children who had fled from the combined British/Buganda army which defeated Omukama Kabalega’s army, in 1893. His objection was based on a deeply rooted Acholi traditional moral belief about the sanctity of human life.

                  The traditional religious Acholi belief, holds that if he were to send back the refugees to face possible death then the souls of the deceased would come back to haunt him, if they were killed! Perhaps needless to say that time has vindicated Rwot Awich for upholding this very important principle of Acholi’s criminal justice system. He held steadfast Acholi’s high moral ground.

                  Quite simply he was ahead of his time as it took Europe, the USA and other major nations of the world two world wars and over fifty million deaths to come up in Paris with the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR) which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10th, 1948. Within the four rights enshrined in the charter is the right of asylum, i.e. Anyone having well-founded fear of persecution in his/her country of origin became entitled to seek refuge in a neighbouring country and the host nation, since then is under a legal obligation not to repatriate such a person to face near certain death or persecution.
                  1912-1919: Rwt Awich was again rearrested based on a trumped up charge that he was in possession of illegal gun (luduku taci, i.e. 303 rifle) which had gone missing. Rwt Awich’s own sub-chief, Jago Aluca of Patira, testified against him in an ill-constituted court presided over by the Resident D C Mr Bens (aka Benge) in January, 1912.

                  This make-shift court sentenced Rwt Awich to another period of detention lasting eight years. He was again detained in Kololo, Kampala.”Kololo” hill, now a VIP residential area in Kampla was named by him. It is derived from Acholi word “Kololo” meaning single or alone/lonely. Immediately following his release in December, 1919. Following his initial detention, he went out of his way to meet the British missionary Albert Lloyd in Hoima and requested him to open up similar schools as he saw in Buganda and Bunyoro in Acholiland.

                  Indeed in June, 1904 Albert Lloyd travelled to Acholiland where he established the first Anglican Mission at Keyo, Lamogi division in 1904.
                  In short what makes Rwt Awich stand out head and shoulder above other Rwodi in Acholi is that he resisted all foreign invaders both violent invaders(Arabs) and the more peaceful but subtle and guileful invaders, i.e. the Europeans. Moreover most of the wars Payira fought were either retaliatory, or were for just causes, i.e. “causa belle” or lapii.
                  Out of about ten of Payira’s inter clan wars only about three can be classified as wars of aggression. Fr J P Crazzolara. In his third volume “Lwoo Clans” page 500, he writes: Ogwok who committed suicide in 1924, entangled Padibe in many wars and with the aid of the slave traders, whom he called for his assistance was responsible for much suffering over a large area of Acholiland.
                  Similarly Rwot Lakidi of Paimol who fought more than ten inter clan wars, most of them were wars of aggression against neighbouring fellow Acholi clans. For instance, Rwot Lakidi did wage a war against Lira Palwo to assert his claim over “kono udo”, i.e. ostrich feathers. In his last and most memorable war in October, 1918, Rwot Lakidi and his Commander, Mr Ogal Luwamoi went all the way to Ethiopia, to recruit Ethiopian(Munu-Lucamcwa) mercenaries, returning via Turkana region in Kenya to wage war on Rwot Amet of Lira-Palwo.

                  In a dawn raid on that fateful day they attacked Rwot Amet’s county headquarters’ residence, when he was away on a visit to Lira, his village.
                  During the raid the two Acholi catechists, Jildo Irwa (of Labongo) and Daudi Okello (of Payira) were martyred. The two Catholic martyrs were recently (2002) beatified by Pope John Paul 11. It is the first step towards their recognition as Christian saints. The next step is their canonisation, after which they joined the list of many recognised martyrs of the Catholic Church worldwide.

                  in reply to: Tribalism in Uganda is Real #204790
                  Free Uganda
                  Keymaster

                    We have to get anti-nepotism laws in this country for a reason, mwegabanya emirimu and you get very rich combined with stinking corruption then you move around kampala abusing and threatening everyone….When dynasties come into power, the relatives are unsackable. Nepotism matters. Money matters. Connections matter. Qualifications certainly don’t, let’s focus on this…..To make significant progress in Uganda, we must actively fight these five giant evils:

                    •Chauvinistic Tribalism

                    •Religious fundamentalism

                    •Poverty/Ignorance

                    •Joblessness/Idleness

                    •Nepotism/Corruption in high places

                    Corruption leads to nepotism, which is quite prevalent in our country. The best way to tackle nepotism is social awareness. In the presence of good governance, there is honesty, integrity, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness.

                    in reply to: Robberies Targeting Mobile Money Agents in Uganda #204789
                    Free Uganda
                    Keymaster

                      Betty NamboozeYouth in Mukono Municipality, under their umbrella Organisation; Mukono Youth Platform have released a statement, castigating the area Member of Parliament, Betty Nambooze, over the recent remarks she made on social media, alleging torture of one, Doreen Magezi, in Jordan.

                      In a statement released to media at Makerere University Guest House on Wednesday, the youth said Nambooze’s remarks tantamount to hate speech against the youth who are struggling to make ends meet, through foreign employment.

                      “Hon. Nambooze has failed to distinguish between Trafficking and Streamlined Labor Externalisation. She has fallen flat to distinguish between slavery and Labor externalisation which is now a global business supporting third World economies”, reads the youth statement in part.

                      They further accused the Legislature of spreading harmful propaganda and lies. They said its is not the first time Nambooze is reckless with her mouth. “She is a hater and typical liar.

                      She has lied to the whole Constituency she represents and comes to Kampala to make noise. In 2017, Hon. Nambooze promised us Jobs of which she has never delivered. The same person promised the youth capital in form of money but she does not pick her phone calls anymore”, the statement further reads.

                      The youth say, their legislature has made them became desperate, which is why they decided to take on the decision to be externalised to the Middle East countries.

                      “We have never regretted on that decision because now we can ably look after our families, we have built homes, land, educating our children and busy looking for an opportunity to return back. There are very many benefits from this sector which may not be tangible in form of money like skills”, they added.

                      The youth are now urging Nambooze to desist from shifting the blame to the privately registered businesses, away from Governments negligence to monitor and ensure that their welfare is enforced as per agreements.

                      in reply to: Tribalism in Uganda is Real #204784
                      Free Uganda
                      Keymaster

                        Ronald Muwenda MutebiThe High Court in Mukono has summoned Kabaka of Buganda, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II to defend himself against accusations of land grabbing.
                        The complainants include; Abby Mutyaba, Christopher Katende, Paul Kaliga and Charles Mugambe – all residents of Nyanama –Buwera Village, Ssi Sub County, Buikwe District.
                        They accuse the king of unlawfully taking their grandfather’s estate measuring 122 acres on Block 472, Plot 6 in Nyanama- Buwera Kyagwe County, Buikwe District.

                        The Kabaka is sued together with three other people including; Mr Elbright Ssemboga Kalule, a city businessman, David Nsereko, a Buganda Kingdom official and the Mukono District registrar of titles.
                        However, Mr Nsereko, who is one of the defendants and an adviser on Kabaka’s private land in Buganda Kingdom said they are ready to defend themselves in court.

                        “We are ready to defend ourselves in court because the piece of land we sold belonged to the Kabaka and we followed all processes,” he said in an interview on Tuesday.
                        Through their lawyers of Baganda and Ssekatawa Advocates, the family claims to be the rightful owners of the contested land, which they inherited from their grandfather Yosufu Mukasa who was working in Kabaka’s palace back in the days.

                        They claim the original duplicate of title got lost and the family tried to apply for a special certificate of title but failed because Mr Kalule and Kabaka had already claimed ownership of the same land.
                        They want court to issue an eviction order against Mr Kalule from the land and cancel titles issued to him. They also want a declaration that the family is the rightful owner of the land until the main suit is heard and disposed of.
                        The Kabaka and other defendants have up Thursday to file in their defence.

                        in reply to: Tribalism in Uganda is Real #204783
                        Free Uganda
                        Keymaster

                          University admissions on government sponsorship, some regions are given social work social administration, education, project planning and management even if they passed with good grades “high points” while one region students are given professional courses like law, doctors with the same grades like those who are given SWASA

                          Free Uganda
                          Keymaster

                            The bazzukulu ba Nambi have a proverb that ” lwoyagaliza mukka kitawo lutta Nyoko”
                            literally meaning what the bad luck you wish your step mum can end up killing your mother.
                            whatever u don’t want to happen to u, you shouldn’t wish it to your fellow countrymen.
                            Mr Museveni has done derservice to this nation and as we talk since he fused the state with the Government, many don’t know the duties of the Fountain of Honour, sometimes u see him officiating opening of water taps, birthday parties, chief mourner, opening of small gardens and fail to do his cardinal duty as prescribed in the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda.

                            People are nolonger interested in his speech coz it lost trust and meaning, he has never brought balance sheet in SONA to see what he promised to do, what he has done, what is finished and what is left.
                            It’s like the kids at home when the father fails to carry out his cardinal duties, the kids may end up not knowing the duties of Dad, he serves meat, washes utensils, clean the house, bathe kids, cooks, pays fees, while his wife is also helping, kids are left in tatters.
                            the family end up without recognising the head of the family and at the end every kid feels he can do what Dad does.

                            In Uganda people have resorted to all avenues which cause degeneration of moral values, words of hate, blackmail or wish others death because they don’t look at things from the same page.

                            The Democratic principles to belong to any thinking and becomes our duty to persuade, convince, educate, senstise and wow them to the side which we feel is the best to take the country forward without scuffle or hindrances through intimidation and blackmail.

                            Let’s accord respect to each other if we also feel to be respected at the end, we design mechanism for corporate debate , political maturity such that we are looked as alternative to the existing regime not worse than the oppressor.
                            Uganda belongs to us all
                            I stand to be corrected

                            For God and my country

                            Nkonge Sultan Ahmedie
                            Educationist/Politician
                            Kawempe- Kampala

                            in reply to: YOWERI MUSEVENI AND THE POLITICS OF CORRUPTION IN UGANDA #204592
                            Free Uganda
                            Keymaster

                              TAMALE MIRUNDI ON TOP RADIO.
                              “People Power supporters should start a campaign called SAVE BOBI WINE FROM NOBERT MAO…Bobi Wine God had helped him in politics he should not carry the luggage of failures to bring them back on top…There is no difference between Mao and Besigye, they are all under mafiarism. People Power has started taking over universities even without Bobi Wine campaigning for those Guild President, that’s clear proof that Bobi Wine is bigger and stronger than these failures…Bobi Wine don’t kill ur political career, Mao is being used by mafias, Mao and Besigye are the same. Bobi Wine would have been with Muntu than Mao”

                              in reply to: YOWERI MUSEVENI AND THE POLITICS OF CORRUPTION IN UGANDA #204591
                              Free Uganda
                              Keymaster

                                Whoever is recklessly attacking H.E Bobi Wine is either mistaken or dreaming or hallucinating but these diehards must be informed that we have shifted our support from Dr. Kizza to Kyagulanyi. The evolution of change in Uganda will be just like that…..reform agenda to FDC and now people power. The relevance of impotent men like Besigye, TVO, and others who have failed to let us win elections for four consecutive times must stop. Let us try some one else who by far will challenge the musevenism.

                                in reply to: YOWERI MUSEVENI AND THE POLITICS OF CORRUPTION IN UGANDA #204576
                                Free Uganda
                                Keymaster

                                  Crane Bank made fictitious payments worth Shs 167bn to a ghost company known as Interdico as part of a wider scheme by businessman Sudhir Ruparelia’s associates to siphon money from the financial institution, a fresh forensic investigation has discovered.

                                  The report revealed that Crane Bank registered a Shs 200bn spike in the value of Crane Bank’s buildings in 2014 where the value of land and buildings rose from Shs 81bn to Shs 281bn within the year.

                                  This, auditors said, was part of the clandestine ploy by Crane Bank to misrepresent its performance to project the image of a profitable institution.

                                  In the end, this would help Crane Bank to issue share bonus shares worth billions of shillings among the institution’s owners.

                                  How it started

                                  Earlier in 2012, Crane Bank’s directors had communicated their intention to issue bonus shares to the shareholders through capitalization of retained earnings and in effect increased the bank’s total paid up capital from Shs 100bn to Shs 210bn.

                                  However, BoU declined to approve the request on account of lack of enough retained earnings to support the intended bonus share issues.

                                  The media has seen BoU’s rejection of Crane Bank’s request, showing Sudhir’s schemes, which eventually led to the bank’s downfall, did not start recently.

                                  In another instance, Crane Bank tried to get BoU’s approval to issue Shs 110bn worth of bonus shares.

                                  BoU turned down the request on grounds that the bank’s retained earnings as per the audited 2011 financial statements was Shs 73bn and therefore not enough to cover the intended bonus shares.

                                  These documents prove BoU had on several occasions nipped Sudhir’s alleged fraudulent plans in the bud.

                                  BoU’s refusal meant that Crane Bank had to put on hold the planned bonus share issue.

                                  Scheming

                                  However, Crane Bank needed to achieve its set target of Shs 110bn worth of retained earnings to be able to actualize the planned issue of bonus shares.

                                  Auditors said in a report restricted as ‘confidential information for the sole benefit and use of Bank of Uganda’, that the falsification of the financial reports in 2012 was “part of a two-pronged approach that also involved under provisioning of non-performing assets with the intention of accumulating enough retained earnings for the suggested bonus issue.”

                                  Fake company Interdico

                                  Since Crane Bank claimed a spike of Shs 200bn in the value of buildings which created the impression that the bank was very profitable; auditors hoped to find genuine construction payments, contracts with contractors, architectural and engineering designs, bills of quantities, construction permits from municipal councils and certificates of work done as confirmation of the actual costs incurred in the construction.

                                  Interestingly, all auditors could be provided with were “payment vouchers” in support of the alleged construction expenses.

                                  “A further review of the spike in the value of buildings showed that it resulted from suspect payments to two companies; Interdico Limited Uganda and AI Construction Limited with the bulk of $64.2m (Shs 167bn) paid to Interdico,” the updated audit report reads in part.

                                  Forgery

                                  Interdico was incorporated on February 25, 2013 with registration number 163335 and its shareholders were listed by Crane Bank as Arab Ibrahimbin Mamadbin and Marhiyani Ashwin Manji.

                                  PwC auditors said “other than the incorporation documentation, Interdico does not have any other field documents at the registry. It is also not registered with URA.”

                                  A deeper investigation shows Interdico’s indicated location in the registration documents – Suite Number 63, Plot 4 Pilkington Road, Kampala, belongs to the law offices of Frank Tumusiime & Co Advocates, who denied having knowledge of the company.

                                  Additionally, the telephone number indicated on the invoices was not registered on the Airtel network.

                                  It was discovered that Interdico had an account with Crane Bank but the account opening forms and system mandates were not available.

                                  This account was also not migrated from Branch Power to T24 during the bank’s system change over in February 2015 as it had been closed in March 2014.

                                  It was impossible to establish who the account beneficiaries, agents or signatories were.

                                  Auditors believe the account documents and file were destroyed and the system mandates deleted yet the Financial Institutions Act (FIA), 2004, provides that a financial institution keeps such records for not less than 10 years.

                                  They further hinted on the possibility that actually the account opening documents and file were never created as required by law.

                                  Nevertheless, auditors observed that the “supporting documentation provided in respect of the Interdico payments was suspicious especially in simplicity of the invoices. Through computer forensics we traced the draft invoices to a deleted folder within the computers allocated to two Crane Bank employees within the finance department. These employees were Vivek Sharma (Head of Finance) and P. K. Gupta (Deputy MD).)”

                                  The recovered documents show that the invoices were created on Gupta’s computer on January 28, 2014 at 9:56am and deleted on 24 September, 2016.

                                  “Between them, Sharma and Gupta appear to have prepared a total 33 invoices in the months of January and February 2014 amounting to $65.14m (Shs 170bn),” reads the audit report compiled at the instructions of Bank of Uganda.

                                  Within the same folder in Sharma’s computer, investigators found a ‘draft special resolution to Interdico to open an account’ with Crane Bank.

                                  When Sharma and Gupta were interviewed, they both denied knowledge of the draft invoices in their computers.

                                  Kalan

                                  The duo claimed they received “signed invoices” from then Managing Director A.R. Kalan.

                                  However, when confronted with the evidence, while not admitting to preparing the invoices, they admitted that the January and February 2014 Interdico Payments were “fictitious payments aimed at concealing a ‘hole’ in the Nostro account (bank account held in foreign currency in another bank – in this case it was the Deutsche Bank – Ed.)”

                                  The investigators added: “We found that personnel in the IT department would be used to pass the Interdico entries in the back end of Branch Power. Some of the entries passed in the account would have the contra entry as the same account so as to hide the destination of the money. These entries would be passed after 8:00pm in the evening when the bank was closed.”

                                  The IT staff who talked to auditors said Sharma would “go with a breakdown and analysis of transactions that he would instruct them to pass in the back end of the system. Sharma would then takeaway the documents with him after the transactions had been effected.”

                                  As such auditors said Crane Bank’s directors did not give complete, true and fair view of the financial position of the bank, its financial performance and cash flows in accordance with International Accounting Standards and the FIA.

                                  This was due to “clear manipulation of the bank’s accounts be senior management in order to show year to year growth…there was also blatant forgery of documents purported to be invoices from Interdico and uttering of the same to bank for payment. Forgery and uttering of false documents is an offence under the penal code.”

                                  Conviction on these offences attracts sentences of over 10 years in jail.

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