By Spy Uganda
Kotido District authorities have arrested four senior officials of Kotido Municipal Council over the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for road rehabilitation and maintenance within the municipality.
The arrests were conducted by the Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Uganda Police Force in Kotido District. The officials are accused of involvement in the misuse of approximately UGX 1 billion allocated for road works in the 2024/2025 financial year.
The suspects include Okaja Emmanuel, the Town Clerk of Kotido Municipality; Okidi Gasper, the Senior Civil Engineer; Akello Deo Nyanga, the Senior Internal Auditor; and Lokure John Bosco, the Assistant Inventory Officer.
According to preliminary investigations, the officials are alleged to have conspired to embezzle more than UGX 200 million earmarked for the procurement of construction materials for various municipal roads. The materials reportedly involved include 1,735.7 trips of gravel, 250 bags of cement, 25 trips of hardcore, and 10 trips of sand, which were either unaccounted for or fraudulently handled.
Investigators further allege that the Town Clerk and the Senior Civil Engineer neglected their official duties by failing to properly supervise, monitor, and ensure adherence to approved guidelines during the execution of road construction and maintenance works. Roads cited in the investigation include the Miresiae–Napawu Road, Morungor–Kotyanga Road, Nangayum–Kawlapei Road, Chairman’s Road, Business Road, and Romrom–Nakutakuwam Road.
Authorities say the alleged lapses contributed to poor workmanship and raised concerns about value for money in the implementation of the road projects.
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned before court to answer charges related to corruption, abuse of office, and neglect of duty.
Investigations into the matter are ongoing, and authorities have reiterated their commitment to holding public officials accountable for the management of public resources.
