Entebbe

Fifteen officials from the National Anti-Corruption Institutions in East Africa yesterday started a two-week training in forensic auditing and detecting fraud in procurement and supply chain. The officers are expected to learn to easily react to suspicions of procurement misconduct that have of recent been reported in various ministries. The training organised by East African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities in conjunction with International law Institute-African Center for Legal Excellence, would also equip trainees with skills of conducting investigations and obtaining evidence on possible irregular transactions. They would learn how to deal with prevention and risk mitigation strategies.

“Detecting fraud is very difficult. It involves an offender who might be an employee. As you fight corruption, gaining skills in detecting fraud in procurement cannot be underscored,” said Mr Asuman Kiyingi, the State minister for Foreign Affairs/ Regional Cooperation, while opening the training in Entebbe yesterday.

The Inspector General of Government, Ms Irene Mulyagonja, said there was an increasing trend among public and private sectors in East Africa for certain misconduct at some stage of procurement.

Cause

“Given the huge amounts of money as well as quantities involved, whether it is for government, a large industry or a donor-funded agency, many organisations have suspected and or investigated impropriety in procurement,” she said.

Ms Mulyagonja added that inflating prices, purchase of sub standard products, demanding kick-backs, conflict of interest by selecting suppliers people have personal interests in and purchasing unworthy items are some of the procurement problems common in today’s society.

The IGG recently halted the construction of Karuma Dam, citing faults in procurement process. Also, various officers at Ministry of Works have previously been arrested over holding fake workshops and faulting guidelines in procurement supplies.