MBARARA – Dr. Charles Lagu, the executive director of National Animal Genetic Resource Center and Data Bank (NAGRC & DB), who was last week charged with mismanagement of government funds, has been interdicted as per the Public Service standing orders.
The Minister of Agriculture, Vincent Ssempijja, said Dr Lagu will now earn half salary as investigations into the charges against him continue.
He will also be prohibited from work, will not be allowed to travel out of the country without the minister’s express permission and access to NAGRC & DB will only be after clearance from the minister Ssempijja.
Ssempijja has also requested the Board of Directors of NAGRC & DB to recommend a suitable person from the most senior officers to take over Lagu’s role in the interim.
Dr Lagu was two weeks ago arrested from his home in Mbarara by operatives from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit. He together with Philip Ezekiel Mukani, the procurement officer, Olivious Komujuni, Animal Husbandry officer, and the director of Nuruma Holdings Limited, Mr Emmanuel Kafute Rumanzi, appeared before Makindye Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, April, 29.
They were charged with abuse of office, obtaining money by false pretense, causing financial loss to government and conspiracy to defraud by Chief Magistrate Prossy Katushabe, which charges they denied.
