The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), working jointly with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has arraigned Eng. Paul Walimbwa, the Bulambuli District Engineer, and Dr. Muhammed Richard Mulongo, the District Health Officer, before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges of Abuse of Office, Causing Financial Loss, and Neglect of Duty resulting in the loss of public funds.
According to the prosecution, investigations revealed that Eng. Walimbwa, while serving as District Engineer during the Financial Year 2021/2022, allegedly abused his office by directing the supply of door frames and window casements in quantities exceeding those required and authorised for the construction of the Bulambuli District Administration Block.
It is alleged that he bypassed the prescribed procurement procedures and failed to obtain the necessary approvals, resulting in a financial loss to Government of more than Shs 20 million.
Eng. Walimbwa is also under separate investigation over the alleged misappropriation of the Shs 1 billion Bulambuli District road project.
Preliminary findings from the Ministry of Works and Transport's Mbale Regional Materials Laboratory indicate that garden soil was allegedly used on the Kimulu–Tunyi Road instead of the approved gravel and murram. Investigations into the matter are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mulongo has been charged with Abuse of Office, Causing Financial Loss, and Neglect of Duty resulting in the loss of public funds.
Investigations revealed that, while serving as the Senior Medical Officer In-Charge of Muyembe Health Centre IV during the Financial Year 2021/2022, Dr. Mulongo allegedly irregularly oversaw the construction of a pit latrine in contravention of the approved standards and procedures for health facilities.
The prosecution further alleges that he requisitioned Shs 7 million for the construction despite the works not meeting the required standards.
As a result, the pit latrine has never become operational since its construction, leading to the loss of public funds that had been intended to improve healthcare service delivery.
The arrests form part of the ongoing nationwide #ExposeTheCorrupt anti-corruption campaign spearheaded by the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, and the State Minister, Justine Nameere Nsubuga, to expose and hold accountable corrupt officials in local governments.
The campaign commenced in Eastern Uganda.
