Lango sub-region officials charged over Shs1.9b loss

By Staff Writer

District officials from Lira, Alebtong, Dokolo and Amolatar of the Lango sub region appeared in the Anti-Corruption Court to answer charges related to the cumulative loss of shillings UGX.1,902,626,838 meant for service delivery in key sectors of roads, water, health and education.

The bust was unraveled by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) a one-stop-centre office whose function is to receive information on corruption from the public and act-upon it, in liaison with constitutionally mandated agencies.

Acting on complaints received relating to the loss of over Shs1.9 billion, the ACU worked in coordination with Criminal Investigation Directorate of the Uganda Police Force which has since investigated, arrested and consequently produced the over 15 district officials before the Anti-Corruption Court. Commenting on the developments, ACU head Lt. Col. Edith Nakalema lauded the  Lango sub-region residents.

“We received a cordial reception wherever we visited and the residents are keen on ending corruption in their communities. I call upon the public to continue in their zeal and embrace this fight against corruption by reporting suspected cases of corruption,” Col. Nakalema said.

Owing to citizen participation, previously-on-the-run Government officials from the region, namely; Lira Municipality Deputy town clerk, Ogweng Patrick and the Chairperson, works and technical committee – Mr Walter Minyang were arrested by Lira residents and handed over to the Police at Lira Central Police station. These suspects have since been transferred to CID headquarters in Kampala.

Meanwhile, ACU also thanked the headmaster of Bataebwol Primary School Joel Onyanga Joel and the District Health Officer Dr Ojok Samuel, for refusing to collude with the suspected errant Dokolo district officials.

“We applaud partner agencies, namely, Uganda Police Force (Directorate of Criminal Investigation), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Office of the Auditor General (OAG) and Inspectorate of Government (IGG) who have ensured the smooth operations of the ACU. We have all the confidence that this inter-agency cooperation will go a long way in eventually ridding Uganda of the corruption vice,”  Lt. Col Nakalema added.

The district officials facing charges:

• Lira District

Ebonga Geoffrey – Chief Finance Officer and Odora Olwa Boniface – Accounts Assistant.

These two officials have been charged with abuse of office, causing financial loss and conspiracy to defraud. The first suspect appeared in court while the other is on the run.

• Lira Municipality  

Abirebe Assy Tumwesigire – Town Clerk, Awio Patrick – Treasurer and Labogo Doreen – Cashier. All have been charged with embezzlement and false accounting however, Labogo Doreen is on the run.

• Amolatar District

Ongony Sylvester – Chief Finance Officer, Ogweng Douglas – Senior Accounts Assistant and Orech Edward – District Engineer.

All have been charged with abuse of office, causing financial loss and conspiracy to defraud however Orech Edward is on the run.

• Dokolo District

Omuge George William – former Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Okello Thomas Codeos – District Engineer, Ongom Alex – Ag. Chief Finance Officer and Ajwang Henry – Senior Accounts Assistant. The former CAO, Omuge William, is yet to appear for plea. The other suspects have been charged with false accounting.

• Alebtong District

Mbaagwa Muwonge Abdulnoor –   Former Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Alebtong currently in Napak District, Andeoye Stephen – Chief Finance Officer, Ojom Alex – Internal Auditor, Otyeno Bryan – District Water Officer. The former CAO , Muwonge Abdulnoor, is yet to appear for plea. The other suspects have been charged with false accounting, abuse of office and conspiracy to defraud.