In a significant move to address a major financial scandal, the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development has appointed Godfrey Ssemugooma as the Acting Accountant General. This decision follows the interdiction of nine senior officials implicated in a Shs 60 billion (USD 15.7 million) fraud scandal involving the diversion of government funds earmarked for debt repayments.
The appointment was confirmed in an official statement by Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary and Secretary to the Treasury. Ggoobi emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring accountability and maintaining business continuity while investigations into the scandal are ongoing.
“To guarantee business continuity, I assigned key functions within the Treasury to Senior Officers led by Mr. Godfrey Ssemugooma, as Acting Accountant General. These changes took immediate effect,” Ggoobi stated on Wednesday.
The scandal came to light following a forensic investigation that uncovered fraudulent transactions involving funds intended for the International Development Association (IDA) and the African Development Fund. Instead of being used for their designated purpose, the funds were diverted to unauthorized foreign entities, including Roadway Company Limited (Japan) and MJS International London (UK).
The misappropriation of these funds has raised serious concerns about the integrity of financial management systems within the Ministry and has prompted swift action to hold those responsible accountable.
In response to the findings, nine senior officials have been interdicted, effective February 7, 2025, under the Public Service Commission Regulations (2009). Among those interdicted are Lawrence Semakula, the former Accountant General, and Jennifer Muhuruzi, the Commissioner of Treasury Services.
The Ministry’s statement underscored its firm stance on compliance with procedures and accountability, stating, “This action underscores the Ministry’s firm stance on compliance with procedures and accountability while allowing the due process of the law to take its course.”
The Ministry has called on the public, media, and stakeholders to support the ongoing investigation and to refrain from spreading misinformation that could hinder the process.
“I urge the public, current and former staff, media outlets, and all stakeholders to support this process and desist from any acts and/or attempts that are intended to misinform or misdirect the ongoing investigations and our operations/services,” Ggoobi stated.
The appointment of Godfrey Ssemugooma as Acting Accountant General is a critical step in ensuring that the Ministry’s operations continue smoothly while the investigation proceeds. Ssemugooma, a seasoned senior officer within the Treasury, is expected to provide steady leadership during this challenging period.
The Ministry’s swift response to the scandal reflects its commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. As the investigation unfolds, the public will be watching closely to see how the Ministry addresses the systemic issues that allowed such a significant fraud to occur.
This scandal highlights the ongoing challenges faced by governments in ensuring the proper use of public funds, particularly in the context of international financial transactions. The diversion of funds meant for debt repayments not only undermines public trust but also has broader implications for Uganda’s financial credibility on the global stage.
As the Ministry works to restore confidence and strengthen its financial management systems, the appointment of Godfrey Ssemugooma and the ongoing investigation mark a pivotal moment in the fight against corruption and mismanagement in Uganda’s public sector.