NGORA, Uganda — Authorities have intensified the crackdown on corruption in local governments, with three individuals arraigned over the alleged mismanagement of road funds and theft of public resources in Ngora District.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Uganda, working jointly with the Criminal Investigations Directorate, Uganda and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Uganda, presented the suspects before the Ngora Grade One Magistrates Court on charges of theft and conspiracy to defraud.
Those charged include Opio Stanslas Francis, the Acting District Engineer; Okello Samuel; and Oroni Herbert, a Station Manager at Retta Solutions Uganda Ltd. The trio has been remanded until May 5, 2026.
Prosecution alleges that between 2024 and March 2026, the accused conspired to steal fuel valued at over UGX 35 million belonging to Ngora District Local Government. The fuel was reportedly falsely accounted for as being used for road works.
Investigations indicate that Ngora District received approximately UGX 1.75 billion in the financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26 for road construction and maintenance. However, concerns from community members over poor road conditions triggered scrutiny into how the funds were utilised.
According to investigators, Okello Samuel allegedly collected fuel without proper authorisation or documentation and diverted it for unknown purposes, in alleged collusion with Oroni Herbert. Meanwhile, Opio Stanslas Francis is accused of failing to exercise proper oversight, enabling the misuse of resources.
Authorities say additional suspects are still at large as investigations continue.
The Anti-Corruption Unit noted that despite government efforts to fund road rehabilitation through district grants, misuse of such funds remains a persistent challenge.
Officials say ongoing nationwide investigations have uncovered similar cases, leading to increased arrests and prosecutions of district officials accused of mismanaging public resources.
