Napak NUSAF Officer Refunds UGX 8.5m

James Bala, a NUSAF3 Community Facilitator for Kongonyang Water shade in Ngoleriet Sub County, Napak District has refunded 8.5 million shillings he allegedly embezzled.

Bala was arrested by police in Kangole Central Police Station last week for withdrawing the money meant for paying Emorikikinos Kapei and Lokonyakumes Block Farms.

It is reported that after withdrawing the money, Bala and the signatories to bank account paid themselves transport worth 200,000 shillings and later handed over the balance to the group chairperson, Helen Angela instead of the treasurer, Agnes Chila as required in the NUSAF3 guidelines.

He is reported to have picked the same money from the chairperson of the group in pretext that he was going to pay the group members at the sub-county. His luck, however, ran out when members of the group mounted pressure on the group top leadership, demanding for pay since money had been withdrawn.

Michael Ongica, the District Police Commander, Napak says Bala agreed to refund the money.

He told URN that they are waiting for instructions from the district to continue with the case.

John Bosco Opio, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Napak says they will subject Bala to disciplinary action as police continues with investigations.

He notes that the district is interested in finding out the motive behind such unprofessional conduct. He also revealed that the district is engaging the Inspectorate of Government to investigate NUSAF3 implementations in the district.

// Cue in “I now have that…

Cue out…to the dot”//

Under the NUSAF3 design, while workers are paid a daily wage, part of the money is withheld and saved into specific account. The savings will then be accessed after the project works.

However, NUSAF 3 implementation has had challenges in Napak district. In January this year, the district reshuffled all NUSAF3 desk officers including Gilbert Longole, the engineer in charge project works who was interdicted over shoddy works.

Most of the concerns surrounding NUSAF3 implementation rotate around accountability, shoddy work and delay in payment of community members after work.

NUSAF 3 has been engaging locals in community activities as one way of fighting poverty and improving welfare in families. The project employs community members to open access roads, dig water ponds and set nursery beds among others for financing projects.