By Spy Uganda
Former Mbarara City Town Clerk Abirebe Assy Tumwesigire was last week charged with abuse of office over an alleged irregular agreement involving space at Mbarara Central Market.
Tumwesigire was arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court following a joint operation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
He was subsequently remanded until September 16, 2026, when he is expected to return to court.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offence dates back to October 2022, when Tumwesigire was serving as Town Clerk of Mbarara City after being posted there by the Ministry of Local Government.
The prosecution alleges that Tumwesigire, together with other suspects who are still at large, abused the authority of his office by irregularly entering into a licence agreement on behalf of Mbarara City with ATC Uganda Limited.
The agreement reportedly provided the company with space on the rooftop and ground area of Mbarara Central Market for the installation of antennas, equipment, a generator, poles, cable trays and the distribution of IDAS antennas within the building.
Investigators allege that the agreement was entered into without following established procedures and applicable laws, an act they say was prejudicial to the interests of Mbarara City and his employer.
The charges against Tumwesigire are part of ongoing efforts by anti-corruption agencies to investigate alleged abuse of office and irregular dealings within local governments.
The arrest and arraignment also come amid the continued “Expose the Corrupt” national campaign, spearheaded by Minister of Local Government Hon. Balaam Barugahara, which seeks to strengthen accountability and combat corruption in local government institutions.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit said the operation was conducted in collaboration with CID and ODPP as part of efforts to hold public officials accountable for alleged abuse of office.
Tumwesigire will remain on remand until September 16 as investigations and court proceedings continue.
He is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
