The Anti-Corruption Court has charged and remanded two senior Bulambuli District officials over allegations of abuse of office, causing financial loss, and negligence that allegedly resulted in the misuse of public funds.
The accused are Eng. Walimbwa Paul, the Bulambuli District Engineer, and Dr. Mulongo Muhamed Richard, the District Health Officer. The two officials were arraigned before the court 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 to prison until August 3, 2026.
According to investigators, Eng. Walimbwa allegedly abused his office during the 2021/2022 financial year while supervising the construction of the Bulambuli District Administration Block. It is alleged that he authorized the supply of door frames and window casements in quantities exceeding those that had been approved and required for the project.
Investigations further indicate that the district engineer allegedly bypassed established procurement procedures and failed to obtain the necessary approvals before the supplies were made. Authorities say these actions resulted in a financial loss of more than Shs20 million to the government.
In addition to the current charges, Eng. Walimbwa is also under separate investigation over the alleged misappropriation of a Shs1 billion road construction project in Bulambuli District. Preliminary findings from the Ministry of Works and Transport’s Mbale Regional Materials Laboratory suggest that garden soil may have been used on the Kimulu–Tunyi Road instead of the approved gravel and murram required under the project specifications. Investigations into the matter are ongoing.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mulongo Muhamed Richard has been charged with abuse of office, causing financial loss, and negligence leading to the loss of public funds. Investigators allege that while serving as the Senior Medical Officer In-Charge of Muyembe Health Centre IV during the 2021/2022 financial year, he irregularly supervised the construction of a pit latrine that failed to meet approved standards and procedures for health facilities.
Authorities further claim that Dr. Mulongo requisitioned Shs7 million for the project despite the works allegedly falling below the required standards. The pit latrine has reportedly never become operational since its construction, leading to the loss of public funds that were intended to improve healthcare service delivery in the area.
The arrests are part of the ongoing nationwide “Expose the Corrupt” campaign aimed at fighting corruption in local governments. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, and was launched in Eastern Uganda as authorities intensify efforts to promote accountability and protect public resources.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has maintained that the fight against corruption remains a priority and has pledged to continue pursuing individuals accused of mismanaging taxpayer funds. The accused remain innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
