The Inspector General of Government (IGG) has directed the outgoing Mayor of Jinja Southern Division, Nasser Ashiraf, and 21 other officials to refund a total of Shs33.7 million irregularly received as allowances.
According to the IGG, the money was meant to facilitate the supervision of various government projects in the division during the 2023/2024 financial year.
However, investigations found no written evidence that the supervision activities were actually carried out.
The statement noted that records only showed that the officials signed for the allowances without providing clear justification or accountability for the payments.
Mayor Nasser Ashiraf allegedly signed for Shs1.7 million.
Several councillors, including Richard Kiirya, Agnes Auma, Grace Julu, Rodgers Anjoga, Innocent Otinga, and Ali Ndaza, each received Shs1.04 million.
Deputy Mayor Maria Kasasa and other councillors — Beatrice Achieng, Lillian Babirye, and Faruwa Kitakule — reportedly signed for Shs750,000 each.
The largest amounts went to technical staff.
Senior Assistant Town Clerk Christopher Baliraine allegedly received Shs4.45 million, while Stenographer Esther Kwenala got Shs4.06 million.
Divisional Probation and Welfare Officer Phoebe Kwagala received Shs3.84 million, and Senior Assistant Accountant Prossie Nanangwe got Shs3.07 million.
Other officials implicated include Deputy Town Clerk Joy Kasowole (Shs1.75 million) and Accountant Musa Waiswa (Shs1.5 million).
During the investigations, all 22 officials reportedly admitted to receiving the money inappropriately and agreed to refund it within the shortest time possible.
The IGG has directed them to deposit the funds into the Inspectorate of Government’s Asset Recovery Account.
Any official who fails to comply will be prosecuted before the Anti-Corruption Court.
The directive is in line with Regulation 123(7) of the Local Government Financial and Accounting Regulations, 2007, which states that any public officer who fails to account for council funds without reasonable excuse commits an offence.
