Uganda’s Stolen Billions: Dr. Monica Musenero’s Shs 31 Billion COVID-19 Vaccine Scam

Promise: A Uganda-made COVID-19 vaccine by 2022.

Reality: Lavish presentations, no vaccine produced.

Amount Lost: Shs 31 billion

Lead Figure: Dr. Monica Musenero (Presidential Advisor on Epidemics)

Status: Cleared by Parliament despite substantial evidence of fund mismanagement.​

In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic surged, Uganda launched the Presidential Scientific Initiative on Epidemics (PRESIDE), led by Dr. Monica Musenero, to develop a local vaccine. Parliament allocated Shs 31 billion for this endeavor. However, investigations revealed that much of the funding was channeled to individuals closely associated with Dr. Musenero, bypassing standard procurement procedures. ​

Despite claims of progress, there was no tangible vaccine developed. Funds were reportedly spent on items like genetically modified mice for trials, with expenditures raising eyebrows. Parliamentary probes highlighted unaccounted funds and recommended disbanding PRESIDE due to operational irregularities. Yet, Dr. Musenero was cleared by Parliament, and no legal actions were taken. ​

“She turned a pandemic into a pay day. We saw zero results, yet billions vanished into luxury trips and allowances.”
— Parliament Probe Committee (2022)​

A Closer Look at the Scandal

Dr. Musenero, a respected epidemiologist with a history of combating Ebola outbreaks, was entrusted with leading Uganda’s COVID-19 vaccine development. Under her leadership, PRESIDE was established as a platform to coordinate scientific research. However, the initiative soon came under scrutiny for its lack of transparency and accountability.​

Investigations revealed that funds were allocated without proper oversight, and many of the scientists involved were close associates of Dr. Musenero. Questions arose about the selection process for these individuals and the absence of competitive bidding. ​

Moreover, the promised vaccine never materialized. While there were reports of progress in animal trials, no concrete results were presented to justify the substantial investment. ​

Parliamentary Investigations and Outcomes

The Parliament’s Select Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation conducted a thorough investigation into the utilization of the Shs 31 billion. The committee’s report highlighted several irregularities, including unaccounted funds and questionable expenditures. ​

Despite these findings, Dr. Musenero maintained that PRESIDE did not directly handle the funds and that the Ministry of Science and Technology managed the disbursements. She also apologized for any shortcomings in the process but denied any wrongdoing.

Ultimately, Parliament cleared Dr. Musenero of any misconduct, and no legal actions were taken against her or other individuals involved.​

Public Reaction and Implications

The scandal has sparked outrage among Ugandans, who feel betrayed by the mismanagement of funds during a critical time. The lack of accountability has eroded public trust in government institutions and raised concerns about corruption and misuse of public resources.​

As the country continues to grapple with the challenges posed by the pandemic, the failure to produce a local vaccine despite significant investment serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and oversight in public projects.