The Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, Beatrice Akello, has instructed the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to investigate the circumstances around the allocation of four acres of land in Arua City to a private developer.
The developer intends to construct a stadium and shops through a supposed public-private partnership. However, according to the Minister, there was no Memorandum of Understanding outlining how proceeds would be shared between the developer and Arua City Council.
Ms. Akello noted the land deal violated several laws, including attaining a dubious 49-year lease. As part of oversight activities, she is inspecting performance of government projects and use of public funds in Arua City.
“I have directed the anti-graft body to probe the former Arua mayor who signed the agreement with this developer,” said Akello, adding the pact was signed erroneously.
The minister has also called for a separate investigation into why individuals are privately sub-letting stalls in a tax park built with taxpayer money, and why revenues do not go to the city authorities as required by law.
Akello is on a tour of Arua City to scrutinize adherence to procedure and accountability in utilization of national resources.