Sleuths to question CDF staff over cash

Shinyalu MP Justus Mugali. [Photo/Courtesy]

Constituency Development Fund officials in Shinyalu are on the spot over the alleged disappearance of millions of shillings.

Shinyalu MP Justus Kizito said complaints about the misuse of the CDF money had been forwarded to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) for investigation.

“We have lost millions since 2013 due to corruption by a section of the CDF staff. The criminal investigations department, OCPD and DCIO are investigating the matter and once we compile all the evidence, the suspects will be arrested and arraigned in court,” said Mr Kizito.

The lawmaker, however, would not say how much money was missing, promising to announce the figure later.

He said the constituency continued to lag behind in development because of corruption.

“We must stamp out this vice. Money has been stolen for quite some time and no one has ever been arrested. People are channelling money through schools, then they later follow up and withdraw everything,” he said.

Primary schools

He cited the case of two primary schools that were awarded Sh1 million in the 2017/2018 financial year but two days later the money was diverted.

“It’s shocking that we still have mud-walled classrooms in some constituencies despite the fact that enough funds have been allocated for permanent structures and other projects to improve living standards. We are losing millions because of selfish people,” the MP said.

Kizito warned that no CDF official would be spared in the ongoing probe, adding that investigations would also target head teachers whose schools were used as conduits to loot public funds.

“Misusing CDF money is condemning the constituency to poverty and undermining Vision 2030. This is abusing the responsibility given by the national government," he said.