The Anti-Corruption Court has charged and remanded two Bulambuli District officials on charges of Abuse of Office, Causing Financial Loss, and Neglect of Duty resulting in the loss of public funds.
The accused are Eng. Walimbwa Paul, the District Engineer, and Dr. Mulongo Muhamed Richard, the District Health Officer.
Investigations revealed that Eng. Walimbwa, while serving as District Engineer during the FY 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 UGX 20 million.
Eng. Walimbwa is also under separate investigation over the misappropriation of the UGX 1 billion road project in Bulambuli District.
Preliminary findings from the Ministry of Works and Transport’s Mbale Regional Materials Laboratory indicate that garden soil was allegedly used on Kimulu–Tunyi Road instead of the approved gravel and murram. Investigations are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mulongo Muhamed Richard has been charged with Abuse of Office, Causing Financial Loss, and Negligence leading to the loss of public funds.
The investigations revealed that, while serving as Senior Medical Officer In-Charge of Muyembe Health Centre IV during the FY 2021/2022, he irregularly oversaw the construction of a pit latrine in contravention of the approved standards and procedures for health facilities.
It is further alleged that he requisitioned UGX 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 intended to improve healthcare service delivery.
They have been remanded until August 3rd, when the case will come up again for mention.
