By Editorial
Leaders in Karamoja have asked for the immediate resignation of the Minister for Karamoja Affairs, Goretti Kitutu after her mother and brother were arrested by police for allegedly selling relief items meant for the area she is in charge of.
The leaders said the incident is “ a complete shame” that items meant for Karamoja are being diverted under a senior minister’s watch.
Hon. Remigio Achia, the chairperson of the Karamoja parliamentary group said he is so pained and disgusted by the theft of items meant for Karamoja.
Hon. Nakut Faith, the woman MP for Napak district who poured out her frustrations on twitter said the minister is starting to get defensive instead of admitting fault.
Hon. Peter Ken Lochap MP for Bokora East said “the biggest obstacle to liberating Karamoja from poverty is not the regional members of parliament but wrong ministers appointed to manage the affairs of Karamoja.”
Police over the weekend arrested the minister’s mother, a brother and a nephew who were found in possession of government-owned iron sheets that were meant to be given to residents in Karamoja as relief items.
According to a source, the operation to arrest the group was masterminded by Internal Security Organisation, the Police and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit found exhibits of the items at the family’s home before arresting the trio.
In October last year, the LC5 chairpersons of Karamoja in a joint letter notified the Prime Minister about the absence of iron sheets procured for distribution in Karamoja.
The NRM Vice Chairperson for Moroto district, Christine Akot said the Office of the Prime Minister should also take keen interest in reports that the minister in question is promoting nepotism. END