The ongoing iron sheets scandal that saw relief items meant for Karamoja Sub-region diverted to other areas through senior government officials threatens to undermine government efforts to pacify the tinderbox.

The House Committee on Presidential Affairs chaired by Jessica Ababiku heard on Friday that the anger of would-be beneficiaries at missing out on the relief items could boil over. 

David Lagen, Agago County MP told the committee that resentment could drive many to Sudan to buy guns, sparking an increase in raids.

Government procured the iron sheets through a supplementary vote for distribution to vulnerable Karimojong and youthful warriors, as a sweetener to them for renouncing armed violence.

Investigations have however, revealed that the items ended in the home of Mary Goretti Kitutu— Karamoja Affairs minister—as well as other senior government leaders.

Jacob Oboth Oboth, the junior Defense minister, who has been listed as one of the recipients, revealed that the policy to give iron sheets to those who handed in guns was intelligence-based. 

Oboth, who denies receiving iron sheets meant for Karamoja, conceded that “there are no results” if a cost-benefit analysis of the government’s interventions in Karamoja is undertaken.

Despite professed ignorance of the motive to divert the roofing materials, the members of the Committee wondered how such senior members would be ignorant of government due processes. 

The committee now wants Prime Minister Robinah Nabbaja to appear and explain the mess in the OPM docket.

It is unclear if other implicated senior officials—including Vice President Jessica Alupo and House Speaker Anita Among, who pledged to return what she received—will also be summoned.