Mbale HR manager in trouble for fraud

The Inspector General of Government (IGG) has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Mbale District to refer the Chief Human Resources Officer before the Mbale District Service Commission for disciplinary action over irregular salary payments.

Chief Human Resources Officer Anthony Wabomba is accused, among other things, of reinstating the fired teacher on the district's payroll, contrary to guidelines.

The letter signed by Ms Anne Twinomugisha Muhairwe, Deputy IGG, and addressed to CAO Mbale reveals that Mr James Khaemba, a Grade 3 teacher at Nabumali Boarding School, was dismissed by the District Service Commission (DSC) on 1 April 2017 for evasion of service pursuant to MIN 172/2017, but Mr Wabomba unlawfully reinstated him on the district payroll in September 2017.

“Although payments to Mr Khaemba were stopped in April 2017, Mr Wabomba irregularly reinstated him on the district payroll in September 2017. This resulted in the payment of a total of Sh8,573,997 as salary for two and a half years from September 2017 to March 2020, causing financial loss to the district in contravention of section fr paras 4 and 5 (k) of the Public Service Rules 2021,” the letter said.
Ms Twinomugisha also ordered Mr Wabomba to appear before the Mbale High Court within 14 days for appropriate disciplinary action to be taken against him.

“The CAO is hereby directed to produce Mr Wabomba before the Mbale District Service Commission for appropriate disciplinary action. Please inform us of the action taken within 14 days of receipt of this letter with copy to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government.

The IGG also ordered Mr Khaemba to repay Shs8,573,997 wrongfully received as salary from September 2017 to March 2020.
When contacted, Mr Wabomba said he had forwarded his comment to IGG and that he had nothing to add.