Leaders Seek Clarification on Ebola Response Facilitation During IRS Meeting in Arua.
BY OUR REPORTER
Leaders from West Nile, Lango and Teso sub-regions have accused some officials in the Ministry of Health of alleged corruption in the ongoing fight against Ebola in Uganda.
The leaders who include LC5 Chairpersons, RDCs, CAOs, DHOs and health workers raised the concern while attending a regional meeting on Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in Arua.
They disclosed that some officials in the Ministry of Health allegedly embezzled funds meant for fuel to facilitate Ebola Task Force briefing teams in various districts.
According to the leaders, each district was supposed to receive fuel worth ten million shillings but the money was embezzled.
While opening the meeting, the RDC Moyo, Ocailap Filbert, demanded that Ministry of Health officials give a clear explanation about the suspected scandal.
RDC Koboko, Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka and other leaders also added their voices, requesting Hon. Balaam Barugahara to intervene in the matter.
In response, Dr. Kyabayinze Daniel, from the Ministry of Health, admitted that the money was embezzled and disclosed that the main suspect had been arrested.
Dr. Kyabayinze, who did not name the suspect, said the suspect had been directed to refund the money.
However, the leaders informed the Commissioner that up to now the money has not been refunded, yet the Ebola Task Forces continue to work without any facilitation.
The leaders also protested against the embezzlement of funds and delays by government officials who have made it a habit of either not facilitating participants in meetings and workshops or paying them very late due to the current system of paying via mobile money.
After realizing that he had failed to convince the district leaders, Dr. Kyabayinze decided to leave the meeting.
The IRS meeting ended prematurely after the organizers skipped the official closing ceremony as indicated on the program.
An insider disclosed that the meeting ended prematurely for fear that Hon. Balaam would come for them.
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