WHERE HAVE 5,568 MUKULA LOGS GONE? AUDITOR GENERAL EXPOSES MASSIVE DISCREPANCY

WHERE HAVE 5,568 MUKULA LOGS GONE? AUDITOR GENERAL EXPOSES MASSIVE DISCREPANCY

QUESTIONS have emerged over the whereabouts of 5,568 confiscated Mukula logs after the latest Auditor General’s Report revealed that thousands of logs held under government custody could not be accounted for.

According to the report, a status document obtained from the Mpika District Forestry Office indicated that 5,595 Mukula logs had been confiscated between 2021 and 2025.

However, when auditors conducted a physical inspection in May 2026, only 27 logs could be verified.

This left a staggering 5,568 logs unaccounted for, with their financial value yet to be established.

The findings have raised serious questions about the management, storage and safeguarding of confiscated timber under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment

Mukula is a valuable hardwood that has attracted considerable commercial interest because of demand in international timber markets.

The unexplained discrepancy has renewed concerns about possible weaknesses in the management of confiscated natural resources.

However, the audit findings do not establish whether the logs were stolen, illegally sold or otherwise disposed of.

Acting Auditor General Patricia Malaila has called for stronger internal controls and greater accountability in the management of government resources.

The report also exposed significant financial management weaknesses in other government institutions.

Among the findings, the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development failed to collect K626.64 million in penalties from mining licence holders, while an additional K30.48 million in annual area charges remained outstanding.

The report further identified weaknesses in the protection of government properties and other public assets.

The findings raise important questions about how valuable national resources are being managed and whether adequate measures are in place to prevent losses.

The Auditor General has urged controlling officers to urgently address audit irregularities, strengthen accountability and ensure public resources are properly safeguarded.

The whereabouts of the 5,568 Mukula logs remain a matter requiring explanation.