In a dramatic turn of events, Gen Caleb Akandwanaho, popularly known as Gen Salim Saleh, has responded to allegations made by Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda regarding the misuse of National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) funds. MP Ssemujju Nganda had claimed that President Yoweri Museveni created Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) to enable his brother, Gen Salim Saleh, to access NAADS money.
However, in a handwritten letter attributed to Gen Salim Saleh, he has warned MP Ssemujju Nganda to cease tarnishing his name and directed him to investigate the NAADS suppliers database at the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Authority (PPDA) to uncover the truth about the alleged theft.
MP Ssemujju Nganda had alleged that Gen Salim Saleh and other officers in uniform had taken NAADS money, created Operation Wealth Creation, and irregularly accessed funds meant for NAADS. He made these claims on NBS TV on November 12, stating that President Museveni had started OWC to benefit his brother.
In his response, Gen Salim Saleh dismissed the allegations and advised MP Ssemujju Nganda to focus on fact-finding rather than spreading falsehoods. He emphasized that his name was being dragged into the mud unfairly and warned that he would take legal action if the allegations continued.
Gen Salim Saleh is a retired Ugandan military officer and President Yoweri Museveni’s younger brother. He has been instrumental in shaping Uganda’s military and economic landscape, serving as Minister of State for Microfinance and coordinating Operation Wealth Creation.
The NAADS program has been plagued by allegations of corruption and mismanagement. Gen Salim Saleh’s response highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the program’s operations.
As the debate surrounding NAADS and Operation Wealth Creation continues, Ugandans await further clarification on the allegations and the actions taken to address them.
Retired warlord General Salim Saleh, also the brother of President Yoweri Museveni, has threatened to sue Kira Municipality MP Hon Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda for defamation. The General is demanding an immediate apology from Nganda for alleging that he misappropriated public funds meant for the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS).
Nganda had claimed that General Saleh redirected UGX 97 billion from NAADS’ UGX 450 billion budget to purchase vehicles for coordinators under Operation Wealth Creation (OWC). The MP also criticized the government’s decision to pass the National Coffee Amendment Bill and dismantle the Uganda Coffee Development Agency (UCDA).
General Saleh has denied these allegations, warning Nganda to cease making defamatory remarks. He challenged Nganda to check the NAADS suppliers’ database at PPDA to identify those responsible for misappropriating funds. This controversy highlights ongoing disputes over the management of public funds and the influence of powerful individuals within Uganda’s agricultural sector.
more information on MP Nganda’s political background ……
Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda is a Ugandan journalist and politician who’s been making waves in the country’s political scene. Born on September 23, 1973, in Lwengo District, Nganda rose to prominence through his work as a reporter and editor for various publications, including the Daily Monitor and The Observer.
Nganda’s transition to politics began when he contested for the parliamentary seat of Kyaddondo County East in 2011 under the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party. He won the seat and has since been a vocal critic of President Yoweri Museveni’s government. Currently, he represents Kira Municipality in the 10th Parliament (2021-2026).
Some of his notable roles include:
Chairman of the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises: Nganda leads this committee, which oversees the activities of various government agencies and state-owned enterprises.
Member of the Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs: He contributes to discussions on national security, defence, and internal affairs.
Member of the Business Committee: Nganda participates in shaping the parliament’s business and legislative agenda.
