The Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG), Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria has ordered the Managing Director of National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Dr. Eng. Silver Mugisha, to dismiss Mr. Ijuka Norman, one of the Corporation’s engineers, over corruption and abuse of office.
In an order dated 11th June, 2025, Dr Okiria ordered for Mr. Ijuka’s dismissal after he was successfully charged and prosecuted by the Inspectorate of Government before the Anti-Corruption Court.
In March 2021, Mr. Ijuka, who was working as an engineer at the NWSC, Arua Branch and a project Supervisor of works for the Odupi Water Project in Terego district, acted arbitrarily when he irregularly removed 325 (Three hundred twenty five) UPVC PN 10 DN 100 (4”) water pipes from the Corporation’s Omugo branch office, an abuse of his authority.
“These pipes, which were intended for the Odupi main extension works at Wilika and Ayivu, were instead diverted to M/s. Riziki Construction Company Ltd, an act that was prejudicial to both his employer and the communities of Wilika and Ayivu in Terego district” the statement reads.
On 23rd February, 2024, a plea bargain agreement was reached between the IG and Mr. Ijuka wherein he pleaded guilty to the charge of abuse of office and was sentenced to pay a fine of UGX. 1,500,000 which he duly paid to the court.
Section 46 of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009 provides that: “A person who is convicted of an offence under Section 2 to Section 25 shall be disqualified from holding a public office for a period of ten years from his or her conviction”
Dr Okiria notes that in the instance case, Mr. Ijuka, having been convicted upon his own plea for the offence of Abuse of Office under Section 11 of the Anti-Corruption Act as amended, is accordingly disqualified from continuing to hold public office.
She further strongly warned public officers against all forms of professional misconduct and urges them to always stick to ethical standards while executing their duties.
