EDITOR
Six officials attached to Rubanda District Local Government have been arrested, and two others are on the run, over the alleged mismanagement of public funds amounting to Shs 107,688,900.
The arrests were carried out on Monday during an operation conducted by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), led by Noeline Nsungwa, head of the IGG’s Kabale Regional Office. The operation followed months of investigations into suspected financial irregularities within the district.
Those arrested include Buregyeya Steven, Senior Treasurer; Kahangi Benon, District Production Officer; Ahabwe Sixtus, Assistant Veterinary Officer; Atuhaire Owen, former Assistant Inventory Management Officer; Kwizera Wilson, Agricultural Officer; Musimenta Pamela, Assistant Agricultural Officer; Turinayo Pamella, Assistant Agricultural Officer; and Karuhanga Nicholas, Director of Hummer Consults Co. Ltd, a contractor linked to the district.
According to Nsungwa, the arrests are part of ongoing investigations into the alleged misuse and misappropriation of government funds intended to support service delivery in the district. She noted that preliminary findings indicate that several items reportedly procured and paid for under government programs were either not supplied or were irregularly accounted for.
She further revealed that two other officials Turinayo Peter, a Finance Officer, and Sibomana Gerald, a Fisheries Officer are currently on the run. Nsungwa reassured the public that efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects and ensure that all those implicated are brought to justice.
“We are committed to ensuring that public funds are protected and that any official found culpable faces the full force of the law,” Nsungwa said, emphasizing the IGG’s resolve to strengthen accountability in local governments.
The arrested officials have since been transferred to Kampala, where they are expected to be arraigned in court to answer charges related to financial mismanagement and abuse of office.
Meanwhile, the Rubanda District Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Eric Sewandigi, disclosed that the RDC’s office has spent the last two years scrutinizing audit reports and investigating complaints related to procurement processes in the district. He said the investigations were prompted by persistent concerns from community members and whistleblowers over questionable expenditures.
Sewandigi explained that their review uncovered inconsistencies in procurement records, particularly regarding supplies that were reportedly paid for but never delivered. The findings were subsequently compiled and forwarded to the IGG for further investigation and action.
“We hope that through these investigations, any misappropriated funds will be recovered and redirected to their intended purpose of improving service delivery in the district,” Sewandigi said.
The crackdown in Rubanda District underscores the government’s broader efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency in public offices. The IGG has reiterated its commitment to holding public officials accountable and ensuring that taxpayers’ money is used for its intended purposes.
