The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
THIS WEEK: Government responds to OPM refugee corruption scandal allegation
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Musa Ecweru Minister of Relief, Disaster Preparedness and Refugees on Feb.05 released a statement acknowledging that government is investigating an allegation of corruption in the office of the Prime Minister whereby officials are accused of mismanaging and diverting funds meant to cater for refugees who live in Kampala.
“We take these allegations seriously. As such the leadership in the Office of the Prime Minister which oversees refugee issues in the country in collaboration with partners is already seized of the matter and is working with stakeholders including the United Nations system at different levels,” the statement reads.
The UN and other big donors have tasked the government to take action on the culprits after investigations revealed that the number of refugees is being inflated. In Kampala for instance, it’s said the office has more than 26,000 refugees registered to benefit from the various donations but when they were asked to turn up physically to pick their share only 7000 appeared.
However, Uganda has been rated highly as a one of the most hospitable host to refugees and asylum seekers with the number of refugees living in the country estimated to be up to 1.2million. Most of the refugees come from the war torn neighboring countries of South Sudan, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo and Somalia among others. The country has an unusual open policy that allows refugees to attend school, do business and owning land.
