The arrests are part of the ongoing nationwide #ExposeTheCorrupt campaign being spearheaded by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, aimed at exposing and holding accountable corrupt officials in local governments.
The Anti-Corruption Court has remanded two senior officials from Bulambuli District on charges of abuse of office, causing financial loss and neglect of duty following investigations into the alleged misuse of public funds.
The accused, Eng. Walimbwa Paul, the District Engineer, and Dr. Mulongo Muhamed, the District Health Officer, were on Friday arraigned before the court by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The two officials were remanded until August 3, 2026, when they are expected to return to court for mention of their cases.
According to investigators, Eng. Walimbwa is accused of abusing 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 before authorising the supplies, actions that allegedly caused the government a financial loss of more than sh20m.
Eng. Walimbwa is also under separate investigation over the alleged misappropriation of funds earmarked for a sh1bn road project in Bulambuli District.
Preliminary findings from the Ministry of Works and Transport’s Mbale Regional Materials Laboratory indicate that contractors allegedly used garden soil instead of the approved gravel and murram during the construction of the Kimulu–Tunyi Road. Investigations into the matter are still ongoing.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mulongo is facing charges of abuse of office, causing financial loss and negligence leading to the loss of public funds over the construction of a pit latrine at Muyembe Health Centre IV.
Investigators allege that while serving as Senior Medical Officer In-Charge of the health facility during the 2021/2022 financial year, he irregularly supervised the construction of the pit latrine in contravention of approved standards and procedures for health facilities.
It is further alleged that he requisitioned sh7m for the project despite the works failing to meet the required standards. The pit latrine has reportedly never been operational since its completion, resulting in the loss of public funds that had been allocated to improve healthcare service delivery.
The prosecution maintains that the two officials’ actions caused significant financial loss to the government and undermined service delivery in Bulambuli District.
The arrests are part of the ongoing nationwide #ExposeTheCorrupt campaign being spearheaded by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, aimed at exposing and holding accountable corrupt officials in local governments.
The campaign, which began in Eastern Uganda, is expected to be rolled out across the country as authorities intensify efforts to combat corruption and promote accountability in public service.
The accused remain on remand pending further court proceedings.
