The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has arrested the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Nwoya District, Ms Nantume Janephar Egunyu, alongside two other suspects over alleged abuse of office and theft of public funds.
The other suspects are Mr Fred Kalisa, a farmer from Gotokwara, Lungulu Sub-county in Nwoya District, and Mr Wanda Ronald, a businessman based in Kiyindi, Buikwe District.
According to the IG, the trio is expected to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court on April 28, 2026, to take plea on charges stemming from the alleged irregular establishment and operation of an animal market in Nwoya District.
Prosecution alleges that Ms Nantume, in her capacity as CAO, abused the authority of her office between January 2023 and December 2024 by flouting established procedures for setting up an animal market.
“Ms. Nantume Janepher Egunyu between January 2023 and December 2024 while performing her duties as Chief Administrative Officer, Nwoya District Local Government, respectively did in abuse of authority of her office, arbitrary acts when she flouted the procedures of animal market establishment and went ahead to allow operation of an illegal market in Gotokwara Village, Lungulu Sub-county, Nwoya District, acts which were prejudicial to the interests of Nwoya DLG,” the charge sheet reads in part.
In a separate count, Mr Kalisa and Mr Wanda are accused of stealing Shs20.6 million from the district while managing the same animal market.
“Mr. Fred Kalisa and Mr. Wanda Ronald between January 2023 and December 2024 while managing an animal market in Gotokwara Village, Lungulu Sub-county, Nwoya District, stole shs20.655 million belonging to Nwoya DLG,” the charge sheet states.
Investigators say the alleged actions deprived the district of revenue and undermined proper management procedures, raising concerns about accountability in local governments.
The arrests come amid a broader crackdown by the Inspectorate of Government on abuse of office and mismanagement of public resources across the country.
If convicted, the suspects could face penalties under Uganda’s anti-corruption laws.
