March 14, 2024
KAMPALA, Uganda | The Public Accounts Committee has issued orders for the arrest of Doreen Katusiime, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism. The decision came after Members of Parliament accused Katusiime of consistently avoiding accountability queries and evading responsibility by delegating her duties to subordinates within the Ministry.
The Committee’s frustration with Katusiime reached a boiling point when she reportedly took her annual leave just days before a scheduled meeting with Parliament. This action further exacerbated concerns about her commitment to addressing accountability issues within the Ministry.
The controversy surrounding Katusiime intensified following revelations about a gorilla permits scandal that has rocked the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA). On February 22, 2023, Members of Parliament summoned Katusiime to answer queries regarding the fraudulent issuance of gorilla permits within UWA. The summon was part of an inquiry conducted by Parliament’s committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (COSASE).
During the inquiry, UWA Executive Director, Mr. Sam Mwandha, disclosed that Katusiime, along with other key individuals, including Ms. Civy Tumusiime (Chairperson of the Association of Uganda Tour Operators) and game park wardens, had brought to his attention the gorilla permit fraud. Mr. Mwandha’s revelation prompted the committee to request the presence of Katusiime, Tumusiime, two UWA board members, and various park wardens for further inquiry.
Mr. Medard Ssegona, the committee’s Chairperson, emphasized the importance of all implicated parties appearing before the committee to provide clarity on the matter. However, Katusiime’s absence and purported attempts to evade accountability have only fueled suspicions surrounding her commitment to providing information regarding the scandal.
The investigation into the fraud, which led to the loss of public funds, has involved both police and the Office of the Auditor General. UWA also launched an internal audit to assess the extent of the financial loss, revealing that at least Shs500 million was misappropriated. Several UWA staff members were dismissed or expelled, while others remain under investigation.
During questioning, one of the accused staff members, Mr. Gilebert Mwesigwa, stunned the committee by claiming that the large sums he received were for alcohol consumed at his bar. However, he later recanted his statement, attributing the funds to a repayment of a loan. This irritated the committee members who forwarded Gilbert for further interrogation by the Criminal Investigations Department of the Uganda Police.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how Katusiime’s impeding arrest will impact the ongoing investigation within the Ministry of Tourism and the Uganda Wildlife Authority.
