Namayingo, Uganda – Leaders and residents of Namayingo district are demanding the immediate transfer of their District Police Commander (DPC), Joseph Kamukama, following multiple accusations of bribery and corruption. The allegations claim that Kamukama has been accepting bribes and is connected to the theft of equipment from the CN Sugar Factory construction site.
During a heated joint meeting organized by Trevor Baleke, the Namayingo Deputy Resident District Commissioner, the frustration of the community was palpable. Several district leaders accused DPC Kamukama of acting as an agent for Bugiri Sugar Factory, alleging that he attempted to influence them to oppose the establishment of the CN Sugar Factory in the district, promising financial rewards in return.
The accusations suggest that Kamukama’s actions are hindering the district’s potential for development and job creation.
In recordings obtained by the media, Kamukama is heard advising the district vice chairperson to accept money from Bugiri Sugar Factory to oppose the new CN Sugar Factory.
He also warned that if the offer was declined, the money would be diverted to the trade ministry to suppress the new factory’s progress.
This controversy follows Trade Minister Francis Mwebesa’s surprising reversal of a decision granting CN Sugar Limited permission to establish its production site.
Initially approved in November 2022, the minister revoked the decision in June 2023, citing a lack of a nucleus estate of at least 500 hectares and a network of sugarcane out-growers.
The recordings reveal Kamukama stating, “Bugiri Sugar factory is willing to pay anyone who would assist in sabotaging their new competitor (CN sugar factory).”
He further mentioned that all sugar factories in the Busoga region are united in their effort to block CN Sugar Factory from being set up in the area.
At the meeting, LC5 Chairperson Ronald Ssanya presented a petition to the Inspector General of Police, including audio recordings exposing the DPC’s misconduct.
“I have decided to stand up for the people of Namayingo, even if it puts my life at risk. We need the CN sugar factory in our district,” declared Ssanya, who also requested Kamukama’s transfer from Namayingo.
In a dramatic raid led by Kamukama at the end of last month, police dispersed workers and management at the CN Sugar Factory with tear gas and live ammunition.
During the raid, Kamukama confiscated guns from private security guards, leaving valuable equipment unprotected. The CN Sugar Factory manager, Rashid Kakungulu, reported the theft of several pieces of equipment from the construction site.
“He took guns from our security guards but did not deploy any protection, despite knowing the site had expensive machines. He warned me that our conflict is personal, and I have the recordings to prove it,” Kakungulu revealed.
The DPC’s actions have prevented residents from working at the CN Sugar Factory construction site and in sugarcane plantations, leading to widespread distress. Approximately 800 workers have lost their jobs, increasing idleness in the area.
In response, DRDC Trevor Baleke acknowledged the DPC’s wrongdoing and apologized on behalf of the government for the mistreatment of workers and investors.
He instructed the DPC not to deploy forces to CN Sugar Factory without explicit approval and directed him to ensure the return of the missing equipment to dispel any suspicions.
“We must return the missing equipment and let the ministry perform its duties. There are no instructions commanding us to close CN Sugar written to my office or the DPC,” Baleke emphasized.
The situation in Namayingo highlights the ongoing struggle for development and fair practices amidst corruption and power struggles. The community continues to await justice and the resumption of activities at the CN Sugar Factory.
