Geraldine Ssali, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, has been accused of assaulting Sandra Anena Karen, the Head of the Ministry’s Legal Department, before subsequently interdicting her.
The alleged incident took place last Friday on the third floor of the Ministry’s offices at Farmers’ House in Kampala, according to insider reports.
The exact cause of the altercation that led to Ssali attacking Anena is still under investigation.
Following the incident, Anena reported the matter to Kampala Central Police Station for further investigation.
In response to the incident, Ssali interdicted Anena, citing “gross unbecoming behavior” such as abusive language, assault, threats, throwing items, and insubordination in an interdiction letter addressed to Anena.
As part of the interdiction, Anena was informed that she would receive half of her basic salary and was restricted from leaving the country without express permission.
Ssali also requested Anena to provide an explanation within seven working days, by no later than April 16, 2024, justifying why disciplinary actions should not be taken against her.
Investigations by ChimpReports website reveal that the conflict originated from Anena’s refusal to cover up suspicious transactions allegedly involving Ssali upon her arrival at the Ministry.
Ssali reportedly formed a new procurement team that included Anena’s subordinate, David Mutegeki, who kept Ssali informed of Anena’s actions to gain favor.
During a Parliamentary probe into alleged financial misappropriation by the Trade Ministry for the financial year 2021/22, Anena informed the Committee that Ssali showed preference for Mutegeki’s services.
The Parliamentary Committee had discovered that a budget allocation of Shs 8 billion intended for new office premises’ rent was instead used for renovating existing office premises at Farmer’s House, contrary to the supplementary funds’ intended purpose.
