Kampala — President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Inspector General of Government (IGG), Justice Aisha Nalule Bitala, to launch an immediate investigation into alleged procurement irregularities under the National Agricultural Advisory Services (NAADS) programme, including claims of ghost supplies, contract manipulation and possible abuse of public funds.
In a directive dated May 5, 2026, addressed to the IGG, the President said he had received reports suggesting that certain NAADS contracts were awarded under irregular circumstances, with some companies allegedly receiving government payments for non-existent or undelivered seedlings.
“I have received information alleging that there was irregular influence in the award of certain NAADS contracts,” Mr Museveni stated in the directive.
The President further noted that the allegations go beyond procurement procedures and extend to the implementation of the contracts, where suppliers are accused of delivering ghost supplies while still receiving full payment from government.
According to the directive, some companies and individuals allegedly supplied “ghost or non-existent seedlings” under the agricultural programme, raising concerns about possible fraud and loss of public funds.
Mr Museveni also referenced allegations involving Agriculture Minister Aggrey Bagiire, indicating that claims had emerged suggesting he may have improperly influenced the award of some contracts.
“There are also allegations that Hon. Aggrey Bagiire improperly influenced the award of some of the contracts,” the directive reads.
The President instructed the Inspectorate of Government to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into all individuals and companies linked to the alleged irregularities.
Under the terms of reference, investigators are expected to scrutinise firms and individuals connected to the alleged ghost supplies, review the conduct of officers involved in awarding and approving the contracts, and verify whether the seedlings and other agricultural inputs were actually delivered.
The probe will also examine possible cases of abuse of office, conflict of interest, fraud and theft of public funds linked to the procurement process.
“You are directed to immediately investigate all individuals and companies connected to the alleged ghost supplies, the officers who awarded and approved the contracts, and establish the actual delivery status of the supplies,” Mr Museveni directed.
The President further instructed the IGG to coordinate with other state agencies where necessary, including the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), internal security agencies, the Office of the Auditor General and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit.
Mr Museveni also set a strict timeline for the inquiry, directing that preliminary findings be submitted within 21 days.
The directive places renewed scrutiny on public procurement systems and the management of government agricultural support programmes, which have repeatedly faced criticism over accountability, value for money and service delivery.