The Speaker, Anita Among, has ordered an independent investigation by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) into the utilization of 1.9 billion Ugandan Shillings allocated for ‘coffee consumption.’
This directive follows concerns raised in a report by the Public Accounts Committee (Central Government) regarding the Auditor General’s findings for the financial year 2021/2022, which pertained to 15 government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
“We want to know who disbursed that money and who benefitted from it. We need that money and the person who benefitted from it must bear the liability,” she said
The report revealed that, as part of the NUSAF-III program, OPM had signed a memorandum of understanding with M/S Inspire Africa Uganda Limited as a capacity-building partner.
However, the committee expressed concerns about the allocation of 9.66 billion Ugandan Shillings to Inspire Africa, with 1.9 billion being used for what was described as ‘coffee consumption.’
The report presented by Committee Chairperson, Hon. Medard Sseggona, indicates the programme that run from 16 May 2017 to 15 May 2019 was extended for another two years up to 31 March 2021, a period in which Inspire Africa was allocated Shs9.66 billion for its activities.
Hon. Medard Sseggona affirmed that the OPM expended Shs20bn to promote the drinking of coffee, by building coffee kiosks across the country. “We made specific findings that the kiosks were not there and this was an unnecessary expenditure.” he said
It was noted that this expenditure was questionable, as coffee shops that were supposed to be established in various locations were either non-existent or non-operational.
The Committee recommended a forensic investigation by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) and other government entities to determine if any funds were misused.
They also called for possible prosecution of the Accounting Officer and Project Director for the NUSAF-III project if misconduct is found. Additionally, they urged the establishment of a mechanism to recover any misappropriated funds within six months.
“The Accounting Officer and Project Director for NUSAF-III project should be prosecuted for any loss of funds. A recovery mechanism should be instituted within six months of adoption of this report,” Sseggona said.
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Matthias Mpuuga, emphasized the need for thorough scrutiny of social empowerment programs to ensure they benefit the intended beneficiaries.
Members of Parliament expressed their concerns about the mismanagement of the project, with some noting that coffee shops meant to empower youth were not effectively operated.
The 3rd Deputy PM, Rukia Nakadama said government takes note of the nugatory expenditure on coffee and the House will be updated on the action taken through treasury memoranda.