Bulambuli Officials Face Charges for Abuse of Office and Financial Loss

Engineers and health officials in Bulambuli District are facing serious accusations of corruption and mismanagement. Eng. Paul Walimbwa, the District Engineer, and Dr. Muhammed Richard Mulongo, the District Health Officer, have been brought before the Anti-Corruption Court.

Both officials are charged with abuse of office, causing financial loss to the government, and neglect of duty. These charges stem from alleged irregularities during the 2021/2022 financial year.

Eng. Walimbwa is accused of directing the procurement of construction materials, specifically door frames and window casements, in quantities exceeding what was authorized for the District Administration Block. This action, allegedly bypassing standard procurement procedures and without necessary approvals, is said to have cost the government over Shs 20 million.

Furthermore, Eng. Walimbwa is under a separate investigation concerning the Shs 1 billion road project in Bulambuli District. Preliminary findings suggest that substandard materials, allegedly garden soil instead of approved gravel and murram, were used on the Kimulu–Tunyi Road, a matter still under investigation.

Dr. Mulongo also faces charges related to his time as Senior Medical Officer In-Charge of Muyembe Health Centre IV. He is accused of improperly overseeing the construction of a pit latrine, which allegedly did not meet prescribed standards and procedures for health facilities. The prosecution alleges that Shs 7 million was requisitioned for this project, yet the facility remains non-operational, contributing to financial loss.

These arrests are part of a broader anti-corruption initiative, #ExposeTheCorrupt, led by the Ministry of Local Government, aimed at holding public officials accountable. The campaign began in Eastern Uganda.

Source: Nile Post