Mbarara City’s Principal Procurement Officer, Dina Mwije, was suspended on Friday, March 28, 2025, by Town Clerk Justine Barekye over allegations of misconduct, insubordination, and sabotaging government programs.
The move follows repeated delays in critical procurement processes, sparking concerns over service delivery as the city enters the final quarter of the financial year.
In an interdiction letter, Barekye accused Mwije of flouting procurement rules, ignoring directives, and refusing to answer calls. Key issues include her failure to display a legally required “Best Evaluated Bidder” notice within five days of a Contracts Committee decision in mid-March. The committee had submitted minutes to Mwije’s office on March 20, but she allegedly stalled action, causing disputes, complaints, and costly administrative reviews.
“Your actions have intentionally frustrated the entire entity,” Barekye wrote, citing three grounds for suspension: violating procurement laws, insubordination, and obstructing government projects. Mwije was ordered to hand over duties immediately and will receive half her salary during investigations.
The suspension underscores growing tensions over delayed projects, with Barekye stressing that “most work remains undone” due to procurement bottlenecks. Senior officials, including the Deputy Town Clerk and auditors, were tasked with overseeing Mwije’s handover.
The case highlights Uganda’s push to enforce accountability in public service, with Barekye invoking the Public Service Standing Orders to justify the disciplinary action. Copies of the letter were sent to the City Mayor, finance chiefs, and legal officers, signaling a broader crackdown on inefficiency.
As investigations begin, Mwije’s suspension serves as a stark reminder of the city’s urgency to meet deadlines—and the consequences of defying them.
