The Arua District Contracts Committee has been reported to the Inspectorate of Government for alleged corruption.
Albert Orijabo, William Aya, Teddy Inzikuru, Gordon Toa and Romeo Palwak are accused of demanding for bribes for the awarding of lucrative local government contracts. The charges stem for claims that they received between 500,000 shillings and 2.5 million shillings each to award contracts for classrooms built under the Schools Facilities Grant last year.
Swaleh Buga, the LC5 Councilor for Arua Hill Division, says suspicion about district contracts committee arose when it was notice that it only awarded tenders to five companies. He calls for the IGG's office and the police to investigate the matter and wants the contracts committee disbanded at once.
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The LC5 councilor for Rigbo Sub-County, Stephen Arubaku, also wants the contracts committee disbanded. He accuses its members of tribalism and religious discrimination, claiming they lock anyone outside their close circle out of any tender deals.
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The chairperson of the contracts committee, Albert Orijabo, denies involvement in any corruption. He insists that he has followed all the public procurement procedures and has always asked for guidance before contracts are rewarded.
The Arua District Police Commander, Julius Salube, says he has received the complaint, but has not yet read through the details of the case.
