Judiciary confirms its vehicle used in robbery activities

A vehicle belonging to a judiciary official that is said to have been used in robbery activities. (FILE PHOTO)

KAMPALA– Judiciary on Wednesday in a statement confirmed that vehicle registration number UG 0501J, used in a robbery attempt in Iganga town on Monday belongs to them but said: “it doesn’t mean it condones the act.”

“We wish to confirm that the said vehicle is indeed part of the Judiciary fleet and we regret the incident,” Mr. Solomon Muyita the Judiciary spokesperson wrote.

According to reports, last weekend, a staff whose name is yet be revealed requisitioned for a vehicle registration number UG 0501J from the Judiciary’s transport officer.

A source at the Judiciary said the staff lied that they had lost a relative.

The car was later on Monday intercepted in a foiled robbery attempt in Iganga town by Uganda Police. However, the said staff wasn’t at the scene of the crime.

“It is, however, important to note that the person, who had the vehicle at the time of the incident, was not authorized to drive it.”

Abuse of government vehicles in the country has drawn curious criticism from officials whose vehicles have been snapped in apparent abuse.

According to the Ministry of Public Service, regulations on the use and care of government vehicles are spelt out in the 2010 Public Service Standing Orders.

According to the law, the stipulated time for use of government vehicles is from 8 am to 5 pm every day. Officers with government pool cars in their custody after 5 pm are required to park the vehicle at the nearest police station for safe custody.

The law also adds that the use of any government vehicle outside “the above arrangements” must have express authority from the accounting officer.

Government officials use public vehicles for personal gain despite the Public Service Standing Order to park them at the office at 5 pm.