President Yoweri Museveni has hinted on the possibility of removing from office public officials implicated in theft and misuse of government resources.

The President stressed on Friday, April 29, that corruption culprits should not only lose their offices but also be compelled to return whatever they have stolen.

"Our big problem now is corruption of public officials. This is the one that is slowing down our rate of growth, and I'm glad the courts are very harsh,” he said.

“Those who go to jail must lose opportunities for leadership, but they must pay back everything they have stolen."

Museveni was speaking at the 6th annual Joan Kagezi Memorial Lecture held at Speke Resort, Munyonyo.

Museveni in March this year ordered the DDP and Police to open up investigations into the alleged misuse of iron sheets meant to support communities in Karamoja sub region.

At least three cabinet ministers and one senior technocrat have since been arrested and remanded by the Anti-Corruption Court for misuse of government property.

Ministers Mary Goreti Kitutu (Karamoja Affairs), Amos Lugolobi (Junior Finance) are out on bail, while Agnes Nandutu (Junior Karamoja Affairs) is still remanded awaiting arraignment before High Court.

The court on Thursday, April 27,2023, also remanded Joshua Abaho, the Senior Assistant Secretary Ministry of Karamoja on the same charges.

During the course of investigation, questions started emerging on why the implicated ministers had not been interdicted or forced to step down from office.

However, the Minister of Information and ICT Chris Baryomunsi said there was currently no law that prescribed holders of political offices stepping down during criminal investigations.

He said, however, that the decision to fire or retain the ministers would have to be made by the President himself later.

Speaking during yesterday’s memorial lecture, DPP Abodo appealed to President Museveni to facilitate a new witness protection law, which she said was long overdue.

“We need protection for our witnesses; our judicial officers, police, prison warders, defense lawyers and whistleblowers. We need a witness protection law and it is long overdue,” she said.

In response, the President instructed the Attorney General Jackspon Kafuuzi to embark on drafting of this law.