‘ARREST ME IF YOU CAN!’ Ex Mbarara LCV Boss Tabaro Dares Accusers As KIU Land Kickback Storm Explodes
Didas Tabaro, LC5 chairperson, Mbarara District
By Amos Tayebwa
MBARARA – Former Mbarara District LC5 Chairperson Didas Tabaro has broken his silence and launched a fierce counterattack against allegations that district leaders pocketed kickbacks in the controversial allocation of public land to Kampala International University (KIU).
The explosive remarks come at a time when investigations into Mbarara District land transactions have intensified, culminating in the arrest of Chief Administrative Officer David Muhwezi over allegations relating to abuse of office, corruption and mismanagement of district property.
The controversy centers on approximately nine acres of land at Kamukuzi Hill that was allocated to KIU for the proposed construction of a Heart and Cancer Institute.
During recent proceedings, the District Public Accounts Committee (PAC) questioned top district officials over the land allocation, with committee members alleging that proper procedures may not have been followed.
The committee further raised allegations of kickbacks.
But Tabaro says the accusations are not only false but also insulting.
Speaking to Red Pepper, the former district boss insisted that every step of the land allocation process was conducted legally, transparently and with the approval of the district council.
According to Tabaro, KIU formally applied for land through the office of the Chief Administrative Officer, who forwarded the request to the District Executive Committee (DEC).
The proposal was then scrutinized by DEC before being forwarded to the Natural Resources Committee for further consideration.
After committee approval, the matter was tabled before the district council where councillors unanimously approved the allocation.
“There was no single councillor who objected to the proposal,” Tabaro said.
He revealed that the motion was moved by Councillor Moses Kabeireho Zasyora and seconded by Councillor Barnard Mugume, popularly known as Ekikondanjojo.
“The record is clear. We get surprised when we see people trying to contradict themselves because they want to spoil some people’s names. You were a seconder of the motion, but now you come and claim ignorance. Who is confusing who?” Tabaro charged.
The former LC5 chairperson further disclosed that after council approval, he personally communicated the district resolution to the Ministry of Local Government.
According to him, the ministry reviewed the process and subsequently cleared it before implementation commenced.
Tabaro says the objective was simple: attract a major health facility that would benefit the people of Mbarara and surrounding districts.
“In fact, I personally approached KIU because we wanted a Heart and Cancer Institute on that land. We were lobbying for services to benefit our people,” he explained.
But it was the kickback allegations that appeared to anger him most.
Tabaro dismissed claims that some district leaders received as much as Shs600 million to facilitate the land allocation.
“Kickback for what?” he asked.
“You are persuading somebody to come and bring services to your people. Why would they give you a kickback? You are the one who should actually be motivating them.”
He described the allegations as “bogus”, “madness” and a deliberate attempt to tarnish reputations.
Then came the challenge.
“Whoever has evidence that I received Shs600 million should present it.”
“How can someone give you Shs600 million as a kickback on government land?”
“And if I can get one of those people claiming I received Shs600 million from KIU, really we can hustle it together,” he said sarcastically.
“I am here. If they have evidence, let them come and arrest me.”
GOT A HOT STORY? EMAIL: redpeppertips@gmail.
SOURCE PROTECTION/CONFIDENTIALITY IS OUR NO.1 PRIORITY.
About Post Author
