The Inspector General of Government Irene Mulyagonja has confirmed kick starting investigations into the beneficiaries of the Shs6 billion handshake.
The scandal that hit headlines last year involved 42 government officials who shared out Shs 6 billion amongst themselves as a reward for their role in an oil arbitration case against Heritage Oil which Uganda won.
The Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga early in 2017 directed the committee on Commissions Statutory authorities and state enterprises COSASE chaired by Bugweri County MP Abdu Katuntu to investigate the handshake and report back to parliament.
In June COSASE recommended that the Inspector General of Government (IGG) Irene Mulyagonja institutes investigations with a view to holding all officers who flouted the Uganda Public Service Standing Orders and other laws culpable and establish the possible offences.
The probe also recommended that all the beneficiaries refund the money.
Justice Mulyaginja this afternoon confirmed that she has formed a team to handle the investigations with a view of ascertaining whether any criminality was involved in the processing and eventual distribution of the money.
Some of the top beneficiaries to be investigated include, Ms Doris Akol, the URA Commissioner General, her predecessor Allen Kagina, KCCA executive director Jennifer Musisi, Secretary to the Treasury Keith Muhakanizi, former Attorney General Peter Nyombi and his then deputy Fred Ruhindi.
Others are former Ministry of finance Permanent Secretary Chris Kassami (RIP), Solicitor General Francis Atoke and his deputy Christopher Gashirabake.