Police detectives, both in plain clothes and uniformed officers, executed a thorough two-hour search at the residence of the former State Minister for East African Community (EAC) Affairs, Mr Julius Wandera Maganda, in Bulekei ‘B’ Village, Busia district. The search was prompted by a tip-off alleging that Mr Maganda had stolen iron sheets from the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM).
According to Mr Jacob Mangeni, the defence secretary of Bulekei ‘B’ Village, the deployment of police at Mr Maganda’s home began last Thursday after rumours circulated about his alleged possession of OPM iron sheets. Despite being the defence secretary, Mr Mangeni was denied access to Mr Maganda’s home by the police.
The search unfolded in the wake of a scandal involving the OPM, where it was revealed that several ministers had improperly taken iron sheets meant for the vulnerable people of Karamoja. This scandal resulted in the arrest of the Minister of Karamoja Affairs, Ms. Mary Goretti Kitutu, her junior minister, Agnes Nandutu, and State Minister for Finance (Planning), Mr. Amos Lugoloobi, among others.
Mr Ronald Bwire, a resident of Bulekei Village, reported that before the allegations against Mr Maganda, some young men had been arrested for stealing items, including chicken, iron sheets, a water pump, and a welding machine from the ex-ministers farm. Allegations were made by Mr Maganda’s political opponents, linking the iron sheets in question to the OPM, prompting a police deployment led by Busia District Police Commander, Mr Didas Byaruhanga.
Joined by the deputy Resident District Commissioner, Mr Grace Kanuna, Internal Security Organisation (ISO) operatives, and the Busia district Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (CIID) officer, Mr Tibbs Asiimwe, Mr Byaruhanga aimed to search and ascertain if Mr Maganda had government property.
After a thorough two-hour search, the investigators discovered ordinary gauge 32 iron sheets on the premises. Mr. Maganda asserted that these sheets were purchased for roofing part of his poultry farm. Mr Kanuna, addressing the media, clarified that the alleged OPM iron sheets were not found, issued an apology to Mr Maganda, and promptly withdrew all police deployment from his residence.
Mr Maganda expressed confidence throughout the ordeal, refuting claims of possessing the controversial iron sheets. He accused one of the area Members of Parliament of providing false information to the police, further muddying the waters surrounding this intricate saga.
