Police in Mbale have arrested the District Engineer following shocking findings during an inspection of the Kyasura–Bukingala road project in Bungokho North Constituency, where UGX 300 million had reportedly been allocated for construction works. The arrest comes amid allegations that the funds may have been misappropriated after inspectors found little evidence of work matching the amount of money said to have been spent.
The inspection was carried out by a team that included Hon. Justine Namere, area Members of Parliament Hon. Shafiga and Hon. Mohammad Masaba, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the LC V Chairperson, Resident Police Commander Afande Twala, security agencies, local leaders, and residents. The team visited the area to assess the condition of the 6-kilometre road, which records indicate had already consumed UGX 300 million by June 2026.
However, what they found on the ground raised serious concerns. The road was in such a poor state that all vehicles carrying the inspection team became stuck before reaching the project site. The leaders, security officials, and residents were forced to continue their journey on foot, walking nearly three kilometres to inspect the road.
Residents expressed disappointment and frustration, saying the road remains almost impassable despite reports that a significant amount of government money had been spent on its construction. Many questioned how such a large sum could have been utilized without visible improvements to the road.
Following the inspection, authorities moved swiftly and arrested the Mbale District Engineer to assist with investigations into the alleged misuse of public funds. Investigators are expected to examine project records, payment documents, and procurement procedures to establish how the money was spent and whether any laws were broken.
Leaders who participated in the inspection emphasized that corruption involving public infrastructure projects will no longer be tolerated. They warned that every shilling allocated for service delivery must be accounted for and that officials found responsible for mismanaging public resources will face legal consequences.
The case has now been handed over to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) for further investigations. Authorities say the outcome of the probe will help ensure accountability and restore public confidence in government-funded development projects. The incident also serves as a reminder of the growing efforts to combat corruption and protect taxpayers’ money across the country.
