KAMPALA - Since New Vision first broke the story about how the iron sheets meant for the vulnerable in Karamoja found their way to Namisindwa district allegedly under the watch of the region’s minister, Mary Goretti Kitutu, there have been mixed reactions among leaders and locals across the country.
For Bugisu leaders, the incident was demeaning to the region (Bugisu) and, therefore, set a bad example to the young generation.
Appearing on one of the local radio stations in Mbale city on Saturday, March 4, 2023, Opposition chief whip John Nambeshe, who is also Manjiya County Member of Parliament, said the minister depicts ‘a bad image’ for the region.
“Since this saga started unfolding, I have tried to convince myself that it is not true, but I have eventually failed. The minister receives a big salary, which is collected from us in form of taxes. I think she would have considered the plight of our brothers in Karamoja,” Nambeshe said on Saturday.
Not picking calls
Meanwhile, a section of leaders in Bugisu blames Kitutu for allegedly not picking her calls which they suspect that is triggered by fear of criticism.
According to John Musila (Bubulo East), the minister has disassociated herself from fellow leaders in the region something he said makes it difficult to advise or guide her.
“The minister does not pick my calls. I don’t know whether she picks for other leaders. It becomes so hard to defend her without knowing her side of the story,” Musila said in a phone interview.
On Friday, March 3, 2023, Kitutu apologised while she appeared before the parliamentary committee for inquiries.
Last month, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) suspended the distribution of iron sheets across the country after theft and abuse in the process of distribution were detected, leading to the arrest of close relatives of Kitutu.
Source: New Vision