They are also accused of irregularly paying allowances for road works that were allegedly never carried out, contributing to a total government loss of sh45m.
Three Mitooma District Local Government officials have been charged before the Anti-Corruption Court over the alleged diversion and misuse of public funds, resulting in a loss of more than sh45m to the Government.
The accused are Tumwebaze John Baptist, the acting district engineer; Franklin Mandela, the district road inspector; and Lydia Aheereza, a sector accountant.
They face several charges, including abuse of office, conspiracy to commit an offence, diversion of public resources, causing financial loss, embezzlement and making false claims.
The trio was arraigned by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working jointly with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
They were remanded until October 16, 2026.
The charges arise from 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.
Prosecution alleges that between June 17 and 30, 2026, at the district local government offices, the accused diverted part of the money to pay sh31m for fuel that was never supplied.
They are also accused of irregularly paying allowances for road works that were allegedly never carried out, contributing to a total government loss of sh45m.
The charges follow complaints and investigations arising from the Expose the Corrupt National Campaign, spearheaded by the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi.
The campaign seeks to strengthen accountability and combat corruption in local governments.
The accused will remain on remand until their next court appearance. The allegations remain subject to proof before court.
