According to sources familiar with the matter, the Finance Minister Matia Kasaija is reportedly considering stepping down in light of the Karamoja iron sheet scandal.
The scandal involves the diversion of iron sheets that were meant for the Karachuna program, which is part of the government’s efforts to fight insecurity in the Karamoja sub-region.
Although the 78-year-old minister has weathered previous storms, including the Entebbe Airport scandal, the weight of the iron sheet scandal appears to have taken a toll on him. It is said that the minister first hinted at resigning on Wednesday and spent all of Thursday negotiating with the Prime Minister and President Museveni.
It is not yet clear whether the proposal for resignation was made by President Museveni or initiated by Kasaija himself. However, sources close to the minister claim that he has been worried about his future ever since his name was mentioned in connection with the scandal.
Kasaija has denied any involvement in the scandal and maintained that the iron sheets made their way to his home unbeckoned. He insists that he was unaware of how they got to him, despite incessant pleas from the distributor and fellow Minister Mary Goretti Kitutu. Even when summoned by the parliamentary committee investigating the matter, Kasaija maintained that he had never solicited for the iron sheets.
However, President Museveni has taken a firm stand on the matter, insisting that those involved must pay back the equivalent value in money or return the iron sheets for the Karachuna program to continue. He has also vowed to take political action against all those implicated in the scandal. Three ministers, including Kitutu, Amos Lugoloobi, and Agnes Nandutu, have already been arraigned before the court over the scandal.
As for Kasaija, it remains to be seen whether he will follow through on his reported intention to step down from his position as Finance Minister.
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