Five government officials in Arua district spent the night in police cells on Wednesday after being arrested by the Inspectorate of Government (IG) on charges of causing financial loss of close to Sh99 million.
The suspects are Israel Echoku, the Arua district Principal Human Resource Officer; Natal Opima, a senior Accounts Assistant; and three retired headteachers, Jackson Abidrabo, Mike Mulander Oliver, and Samuel Acidri Darlington.
The IG alleges that the suspects irregularly paid gratuity totaling over 99 million Shillings to the three retired headteachers, who are currently pensioners. The irregularities took place between July 2019 and June 2020.
The IG says that the suspects’ actions violated Section 20 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, 2009, which prohibits causing financial loss to the government.
The suspects are expected to appear before the anti-corruption court in Kampala on Thursday to face charges.
Local government chairperson confirms suspects’ arrest
Alfred Okuonzi, the Arua LC 5 chairperson, confirmed that the suspects are currently being held at the Arua police station. He said that the irregularities occurred before he assumed office.
IG source says suspects likely to be transferred to Kampala
A source at the Office of the IG told URN that the suspects are likely to be transferred to Kampala on Thursday to appear before the anti-corruption court.
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