The Deputy Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Dr Michael Atingi-Ego blamed the Shs50 billion loss on a breach of computer automated systems at the central bank and Ministry of Finance.
He told the Parliament’s Committee on Commissions, Statutory Authorities, and State Enterprises (Cosase) on Tuesday that the funds were released through an automated system after approval from unidentified officials at the finance ministry.
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“There is human involvement,” committee chairperson tackles
Medard Ssegona, the chairperson of Cosase, refuted claims that there was no human involvement, stating that human verification was required and that the accountable parties must be identified.
First brought up by Opposition Leader Joel Ssenyonyi, the issue has since sparked dual investigations by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Auditor General leading to the arrest of some high ranking officials of Bank of Uganda and Ministry of Finance.
Henry Musasizi, the junior finance minister, acknowledged the hack but disputed the reported amount.
Copies of correspondence between the central bank and the finance ministry have been requested by the committee, and Jacob Opolot, a representative of the Bank of Uganda who manages the automated system, is expected to testify before the committee.