By Andrew Irumba
Kampala: Finance minister Matia Kasaija has directed the National Lotteries and Gaming Board CEO Edgar Agaba who is facing embezzlement charges to step aside.
In a letter dated 19 July, the Minister interdicted the Gaming boss over embezzlement allegations and causing financial loss.
“In light of the above communication and the fact that the charges levied against you relate to financial impropriety against the Board, it is necessary that you step down as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Lotteries and Gaming Board as we await the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
Therefore, in accordance with Section F-s (8) of the Uganda Public Standing Orders, I hereby interdict you from exercising the powers and functions of your office with immediate effect as we carry out internal investigations and also await the decision of court on the charges levied against you,” reads part of Kasaija’s letter.
Agaba was also directed to handover office and any Government property in his possession to the Board Chairman.“While on interdiction, you shall receive half of your basic salary and you shall not be allowed to access office or leave the Country without my permission.
You are also required to handover office and any Government property in your possession to the Board Chairman,” reads part of the letter.
On 4 July 2019 Edgar Agaba appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kololo presided over by Chief Magistrate Ms Pamela Lamunu.
He broke down in court as the clerk read to him charges of stealing more than Shs700m and causing financial loss of Shs350m to government.
He was jointly charged with his manager for finance and administration, Mr John Patrick Kazoora, on offenses of embezzlement and causing financial loss.
However, the two denied the charges and were later released on a cash bail of Shs20m. They were ordered to deposit their passports in court.
“I have heard the submissions for and against the bail application for the two accused persons. The accused persons have proved that they have fixed places of residence,” Ms Ocaya said.
The magistrate adjourned the case to August 16 to allow completion of investigations by the state.
Prosecution alleged that between October 2018 and February this year at Lotteries and Gaming Regulatory Board offices in Kampala, Mr Agaba and Kazoora stole Shs352.5m belonging to government.
In the second count the prosecution contends that the duo approved and forwarded requisition documents for payment of Shs470m to the Ministry of Finance purporting the same to be payment for hotel services rendered during the sensitisation exercise of Kampala Central Division technical staff for four days while knowing the same to have been conducted for only one day, which caused financial loss of about Shs352,500,000.
Thefty Allegations
The state alleges that between January and May this year at the board offices, Mr Agaba and Mr Kazoora also stole Shs360m which money was approved as part of the Shs470m for payment of hotel services rendered during the sensitisation exercise of boda-boda riders from Kawempe Division for four days.
Mr Agaba and Kazoora are part of the senior government officials being probed by the Anti-Corruption Unit of State House headed by Lt Col Edith Nakalema in regard to abuse of office, causing financial loss and embezzlement.
Others include officials from the Uganda Human Rights Commission and the Equal Opportunities Commission.
