Members of Parliament (MPs) on the Committee on Statutory Authorities and State Enterprises (COSASE) have criticized officials from the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs for diverting 85 billion shillings meant for other projects to compensate cattle keepers without parliamentary approval.
The funds, which were part of the budget for other activities, were allegedly used to compensate cattle keepers in regions such as Gulu, Soroti, and others, following cattle raids. The MPs expressed outrage over the unauthorized reallocation of funds, which they argue violates the Public Finance Management Act.
MPs Goret Namugga (Mawogola County), Ignatius Mudimi (Bulambuli County), Joseph Gonzaga Sewungu (Kalungu West), and others questioned the legality of the ministry’s actions. They demanded accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.
Robert Kasande, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, admitted to the reallocation but defended the decision, citing the urgent need to address the grievances of the affected cattle keepers. He claimed that the ministry acted in good faith to resolve the crisis.
The MPs also raised concerns about 71 individuals who were reportedly compensated over a decade ago but have yet to receive their payments. These cases were allegedly resolved by the Uganda Human Rights Commission, but the beneficiaries remain unpaid.
Hope Grania Nakazibwe, the Woman MP for Mubende, highlighted the plight of former workers of the Kaweeri Coffee Factory, who are also awaiting compensation. She called for immediate action to address their grievances.
The MPs demanded that the ministry provide a comprehensive list of beneficiaries and detailed explanations for the delays in payments. They also called for evidence of the compensation process, including media coverage and payment records.
The misuse of funds was uncovered in the Auditor General’s report for 2023/2024, which revealed irregularities in the ministry’s financial management. COSASE Chairperson Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi (Butambala County) condemned the ministry’s actions, stating that such practices undermine public trust and violate human rights.
The committee has vowed to hold the ministry accountable and ensure that such irregularities are not repeated in the future.
