The Inspectorate of Government remains determined to pursue a case involving a bricklayer accused of embezzling 1.9 billion Ugandan shillings from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA). Ali Munira, the spokesperson for the Inspectorate, confirmed in an interview on October 5, 2023, that they are actively searching for Richard Ssempagala, a resident of Wakiso district, in connection with the alleged theft of compensation funds for land located within a forest reserve.
Ssempagala, along with his two accomplices, Muhammed Kamoga and Hussein Mugumya, allegedly presented false claims to UNRA, asserting ownership of Plot 285 Block Grant 537 Busiro Forest Reserve in Nakigalala, Katale. They demanded compensation for this land to make way for a road project.
While Ssempagala’s associates have surrendered properties valued at 2.5 billion Ugandan shillings and repaid 2 billion shillings to the government, Ssempagala remains at large and has not responded to the Inspectorate’s summons regarding the alleged theft.
Ali Munira emphasized that the Inspectorate of Government is committed to pursuing this case. She disclosed that the properties forfeited by Kamoga and Mugumya are located in Busega, Wakiso district, specifically at Plot 800, Block 20, and Nakitokolo Block 328 Plot 437.
The trio is accused of committing the offenses between 2011 and 2012 by fraudulently appropriating 4 billion shillings’ worth of UNRA property. According to the Inspectorate of Government, they were not entitled to any compensation since the land in question is designated as a forest reserve.
In the past year, IGG Beti Kamya issued a notice soliciting information that could lead to Ssempagala’s arrest. She urged anyone with relevant information to contact the Inspectorate of Government offices on Plot 14 Parliament Avenue, Jubilee Insurance Centre, or call the telephone number 0414-342113 with the assurance of confidentiality.
