According to the prosecution, the three allegedly diverted sh200m in Discretionary Development Equalisation Grant (DDEG) funds during the 2017/2018 financial year.
The Inspectorate of Government has arrested three former and serving Arua district officials, including the current Lira Chief Administrative Officer, over the alleged diversion of sh200m in public funds earmarked for development projects during the 2017/2018 financial year.
The suspects are Ismael Ochengel, the CAO of Lira District Local Government; Roy Angumaniyo, the CFO of Arua District Local Government; and Andeku Shaphan Glead Avua, a retired district planner who previously worked with Arua District Local Government.
The Inspectorate said Ochengel, who was serving as CAO of Arua District when the alleged offence occurred, was arrested in Lira, while Angumaniyo and Avua were arrested in Arua.
According to the prosecution, the three allegedly diverted sh200m in Discretionary Development Equalisation Grant (DDEG) funds during the 2017/2018 financial year.
The funds were reportedly intended for the procurement of fixed assets but were allegedly used for purposes unrelated to those for which they had been allocated.
At the time, Ochengel, Angumaniyo and Avua were employed as CAO, CFO and district planner, respectively, at Arua District Local Government.
The suspects are also accused of abuse of office in connection with the alleged diversion of the funds.
They are expected to be arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on October 21, 2026, according to the Inspectorate.
The arrests form part of the Inspectorate’s efforts to enforce accountability among public officers and protect public resources intended to support service delivery.
The Inspectorate said it remained committed to taking action against public officers suspected of misusing public funds.
The allegations are yet to be determined by court.
