Security officials have conducted a search at the residence of former East African Community Affairs state minister, Julius Maganda, over allegations of possessing iron sheets believed to be from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM). The deployment, led by Busia deputy Resident District Commissioner Grace Kanuna, District Internal Security Officer (DISO) Piston Musinguzi, and District Police Commander Didas Byaruhanga, occurred on January 5, 2023, at Maganda’s home in Bulekei ‘A’ village, Lunyo sub-county, Busia district.
The search followed reports that iron sheets from OPM were among the items allegedly stolen from Maganda’s farm, which included 102 iron sheets, a welding machine, a water pump, 160 chickens, and two rams, among other things. Kanuna stated that the aim was to secure Maganda’s home and verify the claims regarding the possession of government property.
During the search, only 32 ordinary white iron sheets of gauge 32 were found in Maganda’s storage. Maganda was promptly given a search form to sign, and Kanuna informed him that the three police officers deployed at his home would be withdrawn. Additionally, Maganda was advised to officially apply for security if needed for his residence.
Maganda, in response, accused his political rivals, particularly Godfrey Odero Were, the incumbent Member of Parliament, of spreading misleading information to tarnish his reputation. He alleged that they lacked evidence to support their claims regarding the origin of the iron sheets stolen from his property.
Notably, Maganda, who previously served two consecutive terms as the MP for Samia Bugwe South, faced defeat in 2016 against Odero. Supporters of Maganda criticized Odero, suggesting that he should focus on serving constituents rather than engaging in politics. Odero, when contacted for comment, denied any wrongdoing and urged Maganda to take responsibility for his own actions.
Amidst these allegations, some supporters, who preferred to remain anonymous, raised concerns about the security possibly being compromised to hide the iron sheets at night. They noted thorough screening of individuals accessing Maganda’s home on the night preceding the search.
