KAMPALA
The Anti-Corruption Court has remanded the Bulambuli District Engineer and the District Health Officer after they were charged with abuse of office, causing financial loss, and neglect of duty in connection with separate projects that allegedly resulted in the loss of public funds.
The two officials, Eng. Walimbwa Paul, the Bulambuli District Engineer, and Dr. Mulongo Muhamed Richard, the District Health Officer, were arraigned by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working jointly with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
They were remanded until August 3, 2026, when they are expected to return to court.
According to investigators, Eng. Walimbwa allegedly abused his office during the 2021/2022 financial year by directing the supply of door frames and window casements in quantities exceeding those approved for the construction of the Bulambuli District Administration Block.
Prosecutors allege that he bypassed established procurement procedures and failed to obtain the necessary approvals, resulting in a government financial loss of more than UGX 20 million.
Authorities also revealed that Eng. Walimbwa is under separate investigation over the alleged misappropriation of funds allocated for a UGX 1 billion road project in Bulambuli District.
Preliminary findings from the Ministry of Works and Transport's Mbale Regional Materials Laboratory indicate that contractors allegedly used ordinary garden soil instead of the approved gravel and murram during the construction of the Kimulu–Tunyi Road. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mulongo is accused of abuse of office, causing financial loss, and negligence while serving as the Senior Medical Officer In-Charge of Muyembe Health Centre IV during the 2021/2022 financial year.
Investigators allege that he irregularly supervised the construction of a pit latrine that failed to meet the required standards and procedures for health facilities.
The prosecution further alleges that Dr. Mulongo requisitioned UGX 7 million for the project despite the works failing to meet the approved specifications. As a result, the pit latrine has reportedly never been put into operation, leading to the loss of public funds intended to improve healthcare service delivery.
The arrests form part of the ongoing nationwide #ExposeTheCorrupt campaign spearheaded by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahare, aimed at exposing corruption and strengthening accountability in local governments.
The campaign, which began in Eastern Uganda, has seen increased investigations and prosecutions of public officials accused of mismanaging government resources.
The accused persons remain presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
