The officials from the local government ministry have failed to clearly explain for the diversion of the 3 billion shillings meant for procurement of land to development of three markets in Kampala.

The accounting Officer and Permanent Secretary Patrick Mtabwere admitted that the funds were diverted from development budget of market development to recurrent budget because the land for the three markets had encumbrances.

Mtabwere tried hard to convince the seemingly agitated lawmakers sitting on the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee that the ministry could not just invest public funds in risky ventures. He further told the committee that 600 million shilling which was part of the funds was diverted to KCCA.

Demanding for accountability from the ministry basing on the Auditor General’s report for 2010/2011 the Committee members led by their vice chairperson Paul Mwiru described the action by the ministry as an illegality.

District woman MP Margaret Kiboijana suggested that the committee should make stringent recommendations in its report to parliament about the diversion of funds to unclear items without authorization.

Meanwhile according to Kalungu West MP Joseph Sewungu the diversion of 3 Billion shillings is not a surprise when the NRM party is still spending heavily on its activities like party retreats.