Four officials from Butambala District, including senior engineers and financial officers, have been arraigned before the Butambala Chief Magistrate’s Court on multiple charges related to the theft of 80,000 liters of fuel, resulting in a loss of Shs480 million intended for road maintenance projects.
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The accused—Acting District Engineer Jessica Naigembe, Chief Finance Officer Joseph Wandera, District Internal Auditor Fred Muwanga, and driver Charles Kizito Mukalazi—face six charges, including theft and conspiracy to defraud. Investigations led by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit allege the officials siphoned fuel from petrol stations such as Baraka and Kaaya Fuels in Kibibi and Gombe, inflating fuel requirements and diverting excess supplies for personal or unauthorized use.
Field reports indicate that Eng. Naigembe, in collaboration with District Water Officer Geoffrey Kayinga (currently on the run), manipulated records and coordinated with fuel dealers to falsify distribution logs. Fuel meant for road works was falsely documented as having been handed to district drivers—who later denied receiving it.
Prosecutors also accuse Wandera and Muwanga of failing in their oversight roles, contributing to the misuse of over Shs1 billion in road maintenance funds. Their inaction allegedly allowed the misuse and mismanagement of government resources intended for public infrastructure.
The case sheds light on broader issues of accountability and systemic corruption within local governments. With Mr. Kayinga still at large, investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile, the four suspects have been remanded to Kigo Prison and are set to reappear in court on July 28, 2025.
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