Addressing a public rally at Shaza Playground, Balaam said the action was intended to promote accountability and allow investigators to examine the allegations without interference.
Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara has ordered the interdiction of 29 officials from Kisoro District and Kisoro Municipality over allegations of corruption, nepotism, abuse of office and mismanagement of public funds.
The affected officials include 25 from the district local government and four from the municipality. They are expected to step aside to allow the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and other investigative agencies to probe the allegations.
The directive followed Balaam’s anti-corruption tour of Kisoro, during which he raised concerns over the alleged misuse of public resources, poor implementation of government projects and irregularities in recruitment.
Addressing a public rally at Shaza Playground, Balaam said the action was intended to promote accountability and allow investigators to examine the allegations without interference.
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Among the officials named for interdiction are Chief Administrative Officer John Nyakahuma, District Engineer James Karamire, District Production Officer Richard Habomugish, Principal Internal Auditor Gabriel Nkuriye Sebusogi, District Education Officer Emmanuel Mwumvaneza and District Inspector of Schools Emmanuel Mbonyebyombi.
Others are District Agricultural Officer Harriet Mutuuzo, Principal Human Resource Officer Beatrice Komugisha and District Communications Officer Imelda Mukeshimana.
Balaam also ordered the interdiction and immediate arrest of Kisoro District Parish Development Model focal person Herbert Ngabo Bubasha over alleged failure to account for funds intended for beneficiaries.
The minister further called for the arrest of former Kisoro Municipality Northern Division mayor Michael Bazamanza and former Central Division chairperson Ramathan Ndikuyeze over alleged embezzlement of funds belonging to Emyooga savings and credit cooperative organisations (SACCOs).
“Former Kisoro Municipality Northern Division Mayor Michael Bazamanza and former Central Division Chairperson Ramathan Ndikuyeze should be arrested for embezzlement of Emyooga SACCO funds,” Balaam said.
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Meanwhile, Kisoro District councillor for Nyarusiza Sub-county John Mfitumukiza was arrested over allegations of selling government jobs.
Kisoro Municipality Town Clerk Richard Mugisha was also ordered to vacate office over allegations linked to government land.
The actions come amid concerns raised by the minister over accountability in the management of public funds and implementation of government programmes in the district.
The interdictions and other directives are intended to facilitate investigations. The allegations against the affected officials have not been established in court, and those implicated are entitled to due process.
