Sylvia K
In a recent development, the Fort Portal Central Police have released on bond five Central Division councilors who were arrested for allegedly soliciting a bribe in connection with a land development case. The councilors, who include Joseline Komuhimbo, Bob Muhumule , Joseph Rujumba , Mugabe Gibs, and Elizabeth Kengonzi, were apprehended at Jopalz Motel in Bukwali Fort Portal City by the police following a complaint from a controversial investor identified as Safari from SAMAR Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
What actually happened
The allegations state that the councilors had contacted Safari, requesting a bribe of 50 million Ugandan Shillings to facilitate the development of plot 44-46, formerly Kijanjabi, situated along Kamwenge road opposite the Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital main gate. Upon receiving the information, Safari collaborated with the police, and a meeting with the five councillors was arranged at Jopalz Motel.
Suspicions arose among the councilors, leading them to refuse the money Safari intended to offer. It is from this background that the police intervened to document the scene, and arrested the councilors, who were then taken to Fort Portal Central Police station.
Concerns regarding this matter, have been raised by stakeholders in Fort Portal regarding the manner in which the investor acquired the land, with claims that the development site is in a wetland and road reserve. Nonetheless, a letter from the Uganda National Roads Authority (UNRA) dated 7th September 2023, signed by Assistant Station Manager Conald Tumuhimbise, granted approval for SARMA Pharmaceuticals to proceed with the development.
The approval, came with conditions, including leaving a 15-meter buffer on the road reserve, installing 7 meters of 600mm Dia concrete culverts, and ensuring proper sealing of the main road and access points.
Stakeholders argue that the land in question has been crucial for individuals attending to patients at the Fort Portal Regional Referral Hospital.
The suspects are expected to report back to the police on January 22, 2024.
Efforts to obtain a comment from Safari proved unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
