Karenga, Uganda – As the political season heats up, accusations are flying in Karenga district, with the district’s Woman Member of Parliament and Minister of State for Ethics, Ms. Lily Akello, facing criticism for allegedly obstructing the prosecution of government workers accused of misappropriating public funds.
Last month, John Bosco Okello, the commercial officer, was interdicted due to alleged mismanagement. However, within two weeks, the minister reportedly intervened, overturning the interdiction and reinstating him.
In December of last year, several government officials, including Mr. Charles Nasur, the Karenga water officer, were arrested over alleged ghost water projects and an irrigation scheme. They were released on police bond and are still reporting to the police. Others implicated include Mr. Simon Ajoko, the district engineer, Mr. Alfred Lochan, and Patrick Lotuk, roads inspectors.
Residents fear these cases will go nowhere due to the minister’s alleged influence, given her close relationship with the Vice President of Uganda, with whom she attended school in Karamoja.
According to a high-profile source in the Karenga district local government, who preferred to remain anonymous, after the water officer’s arrest, the ethics minister made numerous calls to Major Martha Azimwe, who is responsible for RDCs in the Office of the President, seeking intervention. However, Major Azimwe reportedly switched off her phone due to the persistent calls and her own stance against corruption.
Moses Tebakol, a resident, said that defending officials related to the minister is jeopardizing her legacy.
“The problem with our Woman MP is that she doesn’t take advice. Even if it’s your relative, if they have been caught doing wrong, stay away from them,” he said.
Mark Louse, another resident, said that he and other strong supporters of the minister are finding it difficult to defend her actions. He advised the minister to distance herself from those accused of corruption to avoid damaging her political standing.
This publication made several attempts to contact Minister Akello for comment on these allegations, but she did not answer her phone.
