By Spy Reporter
Kampala: The multibillion scandal at Bank of Uganda (BoU) which was busted after Statehouse Anti-Corruption Unit head Lt. Col.Edith Nakalema stormed the bank last week has turned so ugly, after three officials were re-arrested last night.
Spy Uganda has established that three Bank of Uganda officials have been re-arrested in connection with the currency scandal. The officials are being held in connection to what State House’s Col.Nakalema termed as ‘investigation on a matter pertaining the bank’s procurement and supply chain activities’. So far contradicting statements have already been given by government spokesperson Ofwono Opondo, BoU governor Tumusiime Mutebile and the Uganda Police. Whereas the police contend that the investigations into the matter revolve around excess money that was flown into the country aboard a plane chartered by BoU, Ofwono, Mutebile and Nakalema assert that the investigations are about extra cargo that was brought on the plane which was supposed to bring printed money for BoU only. Following the news, rumour was rife that BoU officials had printed an extra Shs90 billion genuine but unauthorized currency for their own benefit. The police investigations have since been extended to upcountry currency centres. The heads of three currency units in Mbale, Kabale and Fort Portal are being interrogated on whether they had prior knowledge on the five extra palettes that were transported on the BoU chartered plane.
Parliament Demands Report
Meanwhile,  as the investigations continue, Parliament has demanded a statement from Government regarding the BoU scam. The MPs’ demands follow contradicting statements from the different government agencies about the saga. Kasanda North MP, Patrick Nsamba requested that the government be given a timeline within which to report back to the house. He noted that the contradicting statements from the Police, Government and Bank of Uganda breeds suspicion. Meanwhile, State Minister for finance in-charge of planning, David Bahati, insisted that there was no extra cash printed. He asked the MPs to be patient and wait for the outcome of the investigations. He also said that government will report back to Parliament on Tuesday with a tentative report, which Speaker Rebecca Kadaga insisted he should stick to.
