Three Mitooma District Local Government officials have been charged before the Anti-Corruption Court over the alleged diversion and misuse of public funds amounting to Shs45.06 million.
The accused are Tumwebaze John Baptist, the acting district engineer; Mandela Franklin, the district road inspector; and Aheereza Lydia, a sector accountant.
The Anti-Corruption Unit of State House Uganda said the three were arraigned on charges including abuse of office, conspiracy to commit an offence, diversion of public resources, causing financial loss, embezzlement and making false claims.
They were remanded until October 16, 2026.
According to the unit, the charges relate to funds released to Mitooma District Local Government for the mechanised removal of bottlenecks on four roads: Katwe–Karangara–Karimbiro, Kirambi–Kirera–Ruziizi, Omuribiri–Nyakizinga–Mutaka, and Kyanzaire–Bukuba.
The prosecution alleges that between June 17 and 30, 2026, at the district local government offices, the accused diverted part of the funds to pay Shs31.16 million for fuel that was never supplied and to meet allowances for road works that were allegedly not carried out.
The alleged transactions resulted in a loss of Shs45.06 million to the government, according to the Anti-Corruption Unit.
The officials were arrested and charged following complaints and investigations arising from the “Expose the Corrupt” national campaign, which is spearheaded by the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara.
The campaign seeks to strengthen accountability and address corruption in local governments.
The charges against the three officials remain allegations to be determined by court.
