Editor, I had assumed that, because The New Times had not written a story about leaders not declaring their wealth to the Ombudsman for a long time, the problem had been rectified. It was therefore surprising to read in yesterdays issue that the Office of the Ombudsman has written to Prime Minister Bernard Makuza requesting that punitive measures be taken against113 government employees who under-declared, or failed to declare their wealth. According to the story, the Ombudsman’s office revealed that several civil servants had not either not yet declared their wealth, six months after the deadline or had not complied fully with the directive, not completely declare what they owned. Sixteen government officials from various ministries, have serious cases to answer because they failed to justify how they accumulated their wealth. These people have not declared their wealth despite the fact that the Wealth Declaration Law makes it obligatory to do so. I find their lack of cooperation frustrating. I therefore believe that they haven’t declared their assets because they have something to hide. I think its time that the National Police department did investigations. I certainly hope that is how the Prime Minister will handle the issue. The culture of impunity must be halted. Sam RwegoKimihurura
