The arrest was announced on Wednesday by the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, who said the suspect was apprehended in a joint security operation after crossing the border following the launch of government accountability inspections in the district.
"The Lwakhakha Town Council Engineer, Namisindwa District, who fled to Kenya ahead of our accountability inspection, has been apprehended this morning through the joint efforts of our security agencies," Balaam said.
The minister said the engineer is being investigated over the alleged mismanagement of road funds, adding that inquiries into the matter are continuing.
He commended the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Internal Security Organisation (ISO), the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), the Uganda Police Force, the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies for what he described as their swift and coordinated response.
"I commend the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, ISO, CID, Uganda Police Force, UPDF and all other security agencies for their professionalism and swift action," he said.
Barugahara also revealed that authorities are searching for three other Namisindwa District officials wanted in connection with the ongoing investigations.
"We are still searching for the District Engineer, Commercial Officer and the District Production Officer. No one is above the law. All those responsible for the misuse of public resources will be brought to book," he said.
The arrest comes as the Ministry of Local Government intensifies accountability inspections across districts and municipalities, focusing on the implementation of road works, construction projects and the utilisation of public funds.
In recent weeks, ministers have conducted unannounced inspections of government-funded projects, ordering arrests where works have been found to be incomplete, poorly executed or suspected to have been procured at inflated costs.
The nationwide operation has led to the arrest and prosecution of several local government officials, particularly engineers and accounting officers accused of abuse of office, causing financial loss and failing to account for public resources.
In Mbale District, the district engineer was recently arrested over alleged negligence in the implementation of public projects said to have caused financial loss.
During the same inspection exercise, several education officials were also arrested over allegations of inflating school enrolment figures and falsifying records.
Similar operations were conducted in Bulambuli District, where the district engineer, a senior medical officer and other technocrats were arraigned in court on charges including abuse of office and causing financial loss.
The accountability campaign coincides with a broader government drive to improve oversight of public infrastructure projects.
In recent weeks, President Museveni dismissed several senior engineers at the Ministry of Works and Transport over concerns about delayed road projects, escalating costs and value for money.
Government says the intensified anti-corruption campaign is intended to strengthen accountability in local governments, improve service delivery and ensure that taxpayers' money is used for its intended purpose.