By Spy Uganda
The Anti-Corruption Court has remanded the District Health Officer of Alebtong District, Dr. Odung Tony, on charges of causing financial loss to the Government amounting to UGX 165,520,800.
Dr. Odung was on Tuesday arraigned before court following a joint investigation conducted by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). Prosecutors allege that the accused authorized irregular payments and failed to adhere to established public procurement procedures during the 2019/2020 financial year.
According to the prosecution, Dr. Odung, together with former Chief Administrative Officer Otim Ben Ogwette and Chief Finance Officer Andeoye Stephen, who are currently still at large, approved an advance payment of UGX 165,520,800 to Otada Construction Ltd. The payment was reportedly made without securing an advance payment guarantee, a mandatory safeguard in government-funded projects.
The funds were intended for the upgrade of Angweta Health Centre II and Angwei Health Centre II to Health Centre III status in Alebtong District. However, investigators say the contractor later abandoned the project, resulting in a substantial financial loss to the government.
Court proceedings heard that criminal summons have been issued to the former CAO and CFO, requiring them to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court for plea taking on March 5, 2026.
Dr. Odung has been remanded in custody until the same date as investigations and prosecution efforts continue.
Authorities say the case forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and combat corruption in public service, particularly in sectors critical to service delivery such as health infrastructure.
