The principal commercial officer of Gulu city, Nixon Komakech Atemo, has been formally charged with several serious offenses. He is accused of causing a financial loss of 10 million Ugandan shillings that were intended for the Parish Development Model (PDM). The charges were brought against him on May 29, 2024, at the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala. Principal Grade One Magistrate Christopher Opit presided over the case.
Atemo faces three specific charges: causing financial loss, embezzlement, and making a false claim by a public officer. These allegations span a period from November 2022 to January 2023, during which time Atemo was employed by the Gulu local government.
The prosecution claims that Atemo facilitated payments to interns and staff under false pretenses, suggesting they had participated in PDM training sessions. This alleged fraudulent activity resulted in a financial loss of 1.7 million shillings.
Senior State Attorney Raymond Mugisa from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) led the prosecution. They further alleged that between November 2022 and January 2023, Atemo embezzled an additional 1 million shillings, which he accessed through his official capacity.
In a related charge, Atemo is accused of making false claims about the use of 8 million shillings allocated for PDM activities. As part of his responsibilities, he was supposed to provide accurate financial returns for the funds. However, he is alleged to have submitted false reports.
The Parish Development Model is a significant government initiative in Uganda aimed at improving the economic status of subsistence households and lifting millions out of poverty. During a tour in northern Uganda last year, President Yoweri Museveni issued a stern warning to public servants about the misuse of PDM funds, promising severe consequences for those found guilty of embezzlement.
The legal consequences for the offenses Atemo is charged with are severe. Under section (20)(1) of the Anti-Corruption Act 2009, as amended, causing financial loss can lead to up to 14 years in jail, a fine of up to 4.8 million shillings, or both. Additionally, anyone convicted of this offense is barred from holding public office for 10 years.
Similarly, making false claims by a public official under section 24 of the Anti-Corruption Act can result in up to three years in jail, a fine of up to 1.4 million shillings, or both.
