In a fresh twist to the ongoing compensation scandal, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has summoned Geraldine Ssali, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperative (MTIC), along with her top management team.
The move follows revelations of a massive misappropriation of Shs164 billion intended for cooperative societies, which were instead funneled to politicians and well-connected individuals. The summons marks a significant escalation in efforts to unravel the corruption that has plagued the compensation process.
The scandal surrounding the misappropriation of Shs164 billion earmarked for compensating cooperative societies has taken a new turn, with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) summoning Geraldine Ssali, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperative (MTIC), and her senior team for questioning. The funds, originally designated to aid selected cooperatives, were allegedly diverted to politicians and a few privileged individuals, prompting a thorough investigation.
The Parliamentary Committee on Trade, Tourism, and Industry brought these discrepancies to light, criticizing the biased distribution of funds to non-claimants. Ssali is accused of undermining the Inter-ministerial Committee established by Cabinet’s advice, instead setting up her own within the MTIC. This move has raised suspicions of deliberate manipulation of the compensation process for personal gain.
One of the most contentious cases involves the Bwavu Mpologoma Cooperative, which received billions of shillings irregularly. Further complicating the issue, it is alleged that Ssali’s husband, Busuulwa, benefited from these funds, drawing a direct link between the misappropriated money and Ssali’s family. This development places Ssali alongside other politicians, primarily legislators, who are already facing criminal charges in connection to the scandal.
This is not Ssali’s first brush with controversy. Parliament previously recommended her dismissal over allegations of inflating the renovation costs for the Ministry Headquarters at Farmers House in Kampala. The Shs5 billion allocated for acquiring new office space was diverted for renovations, sparking concerns about financial irregularities.
Parliament’s Trade and Tourism Committee’s probe into this expenditure revealed substantial inconsistencies that Ssali’s ministry could not satisfactorily explain.
In a letter dated October 3, 2023, PS Ramadan Ggoobi referenced the investigation into the utilization of supplementary funds for the fiscal year 2021-2022, urging the Secretary to the Treasury to invoke his authority under Section 11(2) of the Public Finance Management Act 2015.
This section pertains to the appointment and designation of Ms. Geraldine Ssali as an Accounting Officer for MTIC, underlining the need for stringent oversight and accountability.
However, Ssali found an unexpected ally in President Yoweri Museveni, who intervened to order her reinstatement as Permanent Secretary.
The Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, Lucy Mbonye Nakyobe, communicated this directive following Museveni’s letter dated October 22. This presidential intervention has ignited a debate on the impact of political interference on administrative integrity and anti-corruption efforts.
Critics argue that such interventions undermine the fight against corruption and weaken institutional accountability. The CID’s summons represents a crucial step in addressing these concerns and holding those responsible for misappropriating public funds accountable.
The investigation’s outcome will significantly influence public confidence in the government’s commitment to transparency and justice.
As the investigation progresses, the spotlight remains on Ssali and her team. The public eagerly awaits further developments, hoping for a resolution that reinforces the principles of accountability and integrity within government institutions.
This scandal serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges in combating corruption and the importance of vigilant oversight to safeguard public resources.
