Uganda loses about $2.5 billion to corruption every year, equivalent to almost a quarter of its annual budget, the country’s anti-graft head told AFP on Monday.

Corruption is a huge issue in the East African nation, which is ranked a lowly 141 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s corruption index.

While President Yoweri Museveni has repeatedly promised change, several major corruption scandals involving public officials have surfaced recently, triggering anti-graft demonstrations.

“The country loses about 9.144 trillion shillings ($2.5 billion) annually, money enough to cover 23 percent of this year’s national budget,” said Beti Kamya Turwomwe, head of the Inspectorate of Government.

“Losing such colossal sums that would have gone into delivery of services to the citizens is a wake-up call to all the citizens to fight the vice,” she said.

Turwomwe said her department had recovered just $2 million of the vanished money, which she blamed on a lack of funding and staffing.

Her comments follow the government body’s annual July-June report — based on research by international think tank the Government Transparency Institute — which was presented to parliament last week.

It found that the highest area of corruption was the environmental protection sector, estimating losses of 2.8 trillion shillings or $700 million a year.

A report summary shared online said the figures are based on a “variety of methods and data sources”, without being more specific.

“Overall, the estimates on cost of corruption are considered to be lower than actual in Uganda since some costs are in kind while others are non-measurable due to lack of data,” the summary said.

It found that utility costs, such as bribing officials for access to water and electricity, result in a loss of almost $130 million.

The report comes a week after Museveni pardoned a government official who had served five years of a 10-year sentence after swindling $1.2 million from government coffers, provoking outrage from civil society groups.

The Lagos State House of Assembly, during its Monday plenary, announced the indefinite suspension of Jelili Sulaimon, Chairman of Alimosho Local Government Area, effective immediately.

The lawmakers appointed the Vice Chairman, Mr. Akinpelu Johnson, to oversee the council’s affairs during this period.

The Assembly further directed the council’s management, including the manager and treasurer, to recognize and fully support the authority of the new acting chairman.

The suspension was unanimously approved by the lawmakers following allegations of non-compliance and defiance toward the Assembly. The motion for suspension was initiated by Hon. Sanni Okanlawon, Chairman of the House Committee on Local Government Administration and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Okanlawon recounted an incident in April 2024, when a violent outbreak in the Iyana-Ipaja area of Alimosho led to the death of a resident, Mr. Michael Ajayi. His committee’s investigation allegedly linked Sulaimon to the unrest.

Despite repeated invitations and directives from the House, Okanlawon stated that Sulaimon continued to exhibit misconduct, failed to adhere to legislative instructions, and mismanaged public resources. Citing sections of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, Okanlawon moved for Sulaimon’s immediate suspension and proposed that Vice Chairman Johnson take over the council’s leadership.

Majority Leader of the House, Noheem Adams, backed the motion, noting that Sulaimon’s failure to follow procurement procedures and budgetary guidelines set a poor example. He emphasized that this decisive action should serve as a warning to other local government chairmen.

Hon. Nureni Akinsanya, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts for Local Governments, also lent his support, referencing a report from the State Auditor-General that detailed significant financial irregularities and Sulaimon’s consistent disregard for regulations.

Hon. Ladi Ajomale and Hon. Sa’ad Olumoh added their voices to the call for suspension, expressing concern over Sulaimon’s continued defiance despite multiple warnings.

Speaker Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Obasa, who presided over the session, directed the Clerk of the House, Barr. Olalekan Onafeko, to formally notify all relevant authorities of the Assembly’s decision.

Additionally, the Speaker called for the chairmen of Bariga LCDA and Odi-Olowo LCDA, Mr. Kolade Alabi and Mr. Rasak Ajala, to explain the widespread disregard for governance protocols among council chairmen.

Heartland FC head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, has expressed relief after the Naze Millionaires secured their first victory of the season.

The Owerri-based club defeated Niger Tornadoes 2-0 at the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Sunday, putting an end to their winless streak.

Michael Ogu netted both goals for the former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) champions during the matchday 5 fixture.

Prior to this victory, Heartland had struggled with one draw and three defeats in their opening four games of the season.Amuneke shared his joy, saying, “I am happy for the players.

We deserved this moment of joy. It has brought us relief and will boost our confidence ahead of our next match against El Kanemi.”

A former Senator, Dino Melaye, has been acquitted in the twelfth and final case against him by the Federal Government.

This lengthy legal battle began six years ago.

According to him, Justice Sylvanus Oriji delivered the verdict at the FCT High Court in Maitama, clearing Melaye of two charges of providing false information concerning an alleged assassination attempt on his life in 2017.

This legal saga began in February 2018 when Melaye faced accusations of falsely implicating Edward Onoja, the then-chief of Staff, to Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello in the assassination plot.

Taking to social media platform X on Monday to celebrate the verdict, Melaye expressed his gratitude towards his legal team and emphasised his unwavering faith in divine justice.

“I take life as it comes, but in all the vicissitudes of life, I trust in God only. He is always with the just,” he stated.

In his post, he also noted, “Justice served after six years. Justice delayed is never justice denied. God alone be praised. SEN. DINO MELAYE 12 – FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AND IGP 0. 12 CASES ALL WON BY GOD.”

The initial case regarding the alleged assassination attempt saw delays, including the unfortunate passing of Justice Aromeh Benson Akogu, the judge overseeing the matter, during a cross-over service on December 31, 2017.

The Attorney General’s Office formally charged Melaye on January 31, 2018, claiming his allegations were unfounded, stemming from an investigation into the supposed assassination attempt at his hometown in Ayetoro-Gbede, Kogi State.

He pleaded not guilty on March 1, 2018.

Some other alleged assassination attempts
Again, in July 2018, Melaye accused the Kogi State police command of attempting to kill him.

He made this accusation in response to claims that his security details had shot at policemen conducting ‘stop and search’ operations in Mopa.

In March 2019, Melaye again alleged a conspiracy against his life by the Kogi State government, which the state authorities denied.

Details later

A section of the Eleme Local Government Area (LGA) secretariat in Rivers State has been set on fire, raising concerns about potential unrest in the area.

According to a report by Channels Television, the newly elected chairman, Brain Gokpa, arrived at the secretariat with his councillors and supporters, only to discover that part of the building had been torched.

The source of the report was a phone conversation with former Ambassador Oji Ngofa, an indigene of Eleme.

There is growing apprehension in the community, with fears that this incident could lead to a wider outbreak of violence in Eleme and other LGAs across Rivers State.

The cause of the fire and the individuals responsible have not yet been identified, but the situation has heightened tensions in the region. Local authorities are expected to launch an investigation into the incident as residents remain on edge.

Fresh vegetables are the unsung heroes of a healthy diet. Packed with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, they provide numerous benefits for our overall well-being. Incorporating fresh vegetables into your daily meals can have a transformative impact on your health, energy levels, and longevity.

Benefits of Eating Fresh Vegetables

1. Boosts Vitamin and Mineral Intake: Fresh vegetables are rich in vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron.
2. Supports Healthy Digestion: Fiber-rich vegetables promote regular bowel movements, preventing constipation and diverticulitis.
3. Antioxidant Powerhouses: Vegetables contain antioxidants that combat free radicals, reducing cancer and chronic disease risk.
4. Strengthens Immune System: Vitamins and minerals in vegetables enhance immune function, fighting off infections.
5. Aids Weight Management: Low-calorie, high-fiber vegetables support healthy weight loss and maintenance.
6. Lowers Chronic Disease Risk: Regular consumption reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
7. Promotes Healthy Skin: Antioxidants and vitamins in vegetables protect against premature aging and skin damage.
8. Supports Eye Health: Leafy greens like spinach and kale contain lutein and zeaxanthin, protecting vision.

Top Fresh Vegetables to Include in Your Diet

1. Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, collard greens)
2. Cruciferous Vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage)
3. Colorful Bell Peppers
4. Carrots
5. Tomatoes
6. Cucumbers
7. Avocados
8. Mushrooms

Tips for Incorporating Fresh Vegetables

1. Start a garden or visit local farmers’ markets.
2. Experiment with new recipes and cooking methods.
3. Add vegetables to omelets, salads, and sandwiches.
4. Snack on raw or roasted vegetables.
5. Make vegetable-based soups and smoothies.

Fresh vegetables are nature’s superheroes, providing a wealth of health benefits.