Barugahara Proposes Vehicle Purchase Freeze for Local Governments Cars in Kabale.

The Minister for Local Government, Balaam Barugahara has proposed a freeze on purchasing new vehicles for local governments after discovering dozens of grounded and vandalized government cars at the Kabale District yard in Central Division.

Barugahara, who visited the yard yesterday, revealed that several government vehicles had been stripped of essential parts including engines, tires, gearboxes, and steering racks. He cited double-cabin registration UG 0176R, whose missing engine was reportedly installed in the personal car of the Assistant District Engineer in Charge of Mechanics, Jude Tusiime.

Barugahara alleged that some officials deliberately strip government vehicles of parts before declaring them beyond repair to justify purchasing replacements. This prompted him to order a nationwide fleet audit and question why funds are prioritized for new cars over essential services like classroom construction.

Barugahara last week ordered the interdiction and arrest Tusiime, pending investigations into the alleged theft of district vehicle equipment and financial mismanagement. He questioned why several district vehicles remain grounded at the district yard, despite the district receiving 150 million shillings annually for vehicle repairs, with no clear accountability for the funds.

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