MBALE – UGANDA
The fight against corruption in Uganda’s local governments has intensified after the arrest of the Mbale District Engineer over the alleged misappropriation of UGX 300 million meant for the construction of the 6-kilometre Kyasura–Bukingala road in Bungokho North Constituency.
The arrest followed an inspection of the road project conducted on Friday by government officials, Members of Parliament, district leaders, security agencies and local residents. The team included Hon. Justine Namere, area Members of Parliament Hon. Shafiga and Hon. Mohammad Masaba, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the LC V Chairperson, the Chief Internal Security Officer (CISO), RPC Mbale Afande Fadil Twalla, and other security personnel.
During the inspection, officials discovered that although district records indicated that the entire UGX 300 million had been spent by June 2026, the road remained in a deplorable state. The inspection team was unable to drive through the route after their vehicles became stuck in the mud, forcing them to walk nearly three kilometres to reach the project site.
The findings prompted the immediate arrest of the District Engineer to assist investigators in establishing how the funds were utilised.
The case has since been handed over to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) for comprehensive investigations.
The development comes at a time when the Ugandan government has intensified its nationwide crackdown on corruption and misuse of public resources, particularly funds allocated to road infrastructure and local government projects. Authorities have repeatedly warned accounting officers and technical staff that misuse of public money will attract criminal prosecution.
Government officials reaffirmed that every shilling allocated for public service delivery must be fully accounted for, emphasizing that those found responsible for embezzlement or abuse of office will face the full force of the law.
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