Iron sheets: Was cost per iron sheet inflated?

This publication has learnt that the cost of each iron sheet mean for Karamoja cost the tax payer Shs 71,000. 1

According to documents that  we have seen, that  specific  28 size gauge ordinary corrugated galvanized, pre-painted (sand beige) is only supplied at the specific behest of the Office of the Price Minister, and at selected manufacturers.

Yesterday, a team dispatched from the office of the Speaker spent the day at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM)  warehouse in Namanve as they took back iron sheets that they had paid for, but not delivered 3 weeks later.

Mr Joseph Sabiti, the Speaker’s spokesperson confirmed to this publication that the iron sheets had been finally accepted by OPM.

“There were procedural issues to be followed and the coordination. Then the CID (criminal investigative department of police) office had  to confirm that it was the quality and the quantity but finally, all was put in place and we are now fine,” Mr Sabiti said in an interview.

A market survey conducted by this publication revealed  that the same  gauge and quoits,  in different colour  sheds can be  acquired at a price ranging from Shs 35,000-Shs 40,000, which has sparked debate and raised procurement queries at OPM.

On 15th March 2023, Speaker Among while presiding over the plenary session said: “I have taken a conscious decision to deliver 500 iron sheets to your stores in Namanve. This delivery is to compensate for the iron sheets of a similar quantity and quality  that were delivered in Bukedea District in 2022,”

Attempts to get a comment from the known OPM officials were futile  after numerous unanswered  calls.

Several ministers and MPs, including Speaker Among, Vice President Alupo and former Speaker Rebeca Kadaga have openly come out to condemn the manner in which they were dragged into the scandal, yet they did not solicit, nor know how the irons sheets got to their constituencies.