President Yoweri Museveni has ordered the Inspector General of Government; IGG to immediately conduct an investigation into possible corruption in the Uganda wildlife authority.
Justice Irene Mulyagonja, in a letter dated May 2nd 2017, is to investigate the possibility that Dr. Andrew Ggunga Seguya executive Director UWA, contrary to International Conventions, authorized the export of Pangolin (Olugave), its meat and scales. According to the president’s letter, some Chinese have been licensed by Dr. Seguya to do export pangolin.
The letter further accuses some UWA officials of collaborating with some Chinese by the names of Li Wejin and Yinzhi, both diplomats in the Embassy, to export Ivory from Congo, CAR and South Sudan.
“Confiscated Ivory in UWA stores was stolen. It was 1,300kgs and was worth 3 Billion Shillings. There has been reports of murders in the park among criminals fighting for the sharing of the proceeds from poaching” the letter adds.
The ED is also accused of procuring soft-ware on matters concerning gorillas without following laid down procedures. The letter also points out extravagant travel to the extent of encroaching on the SACCO money of the employees.
“Trying to get bribes from Centenary Bank, DFCU and Crane Bank so as to maintain the 28 Billion Shillings deposits in those Banks. When the Banks refused to bribe him, he withdrew the money and caused loss of Shs. 1.5 billion. Even without causing financial loss, it is criminal enough for a public officer to ask for a bribe” Museveni added.
The president says he has repeatedly told UWA to put an electric fence around some of the parks. But up to now, the UWA people have never either acted on it or even had the courtesy to tell me as to why they cannot act.
“In view of the above, I therefore, request that you investigate these allegations and give me a report, if there is a prima facie case, the Executive Director should be suspended” he directed.
