Herbert Musinguzi, Sembabule Chief Finance Officer has been demoted over alleged incompetence and bribery. Musinguzi was demoted by Charles Nsubuga Kiberu, Sembabule Chief Administrative Officer and replaced by Harriet Ndagire. His demotion comes hardly a month after Charles Matovu, former Sembabule district Medical Officer accused
Musinguzi of soliciting for a bribe of one million shillings before he could sign for him a cheque from the Global Fund. Matovu reported the matter to the CAO and asked him to take action against Musinguzi. In his letter dated November 2, 2011 copied to the RDC Camara Bayeye and Sembabule LC V Chairman Ely Muhumuza, Kiberu says that Muhumuza can no longer serve in the capacity of Chief Finance Officer because of the allegations of corruption against him.
He explains that several heads of department have been complaining to him that Musinguzi demands for a bribe for every cheque he signs. Kiberu says that he decided to demote Musinguzi to pave way for his investigations. But Musinguzi will not take any of this lying down. Musinguzi has written to the local government ministry complaining on his demotion. He alleges that his demotion was based on bias and tribalism but not he alleged incompetence.
Musinguzi says that there is no evidence to prove allegations against him. He has also threatened to take legal action against the district unless the decision to demote him is reversed. Last month, Members of Parliament on the Public Accounts Committee recommended the sacking of Musinguzi for incompetence. The MPs led by Jack Sabiiti recommended the sacking of Musinguzi saying that he lacks the basic accounting skills which cost the district 800 million shillings.
