The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has directed the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Obongi, Mr. Otim Benson Humphrey, to dismiss Mr. Johnson Opigo, the Acting District Production Officer of Obongi District Local Government, over alleged corruption and mismanagement of government property.
The directive is contained in an investigation report signed by the Deputy Inspector General of Government, Dr. Patricia Achan Okiria, and addressed to the Obongi CAO, dated February 14, 2025.
The directive follows an investigation into alleged embezzlement of funds and mismanagement of district tractors and a district boat.
According to the IG’s investigations, the former Acting Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Obongi, who is now the CFO of Moyo District, received four million Ugandan shillings in cash, which he did not deposit into the bank but instead used for personal activities.
The report states that Obongi District Local Government procured two tractors, registration numbers LG 0015-169 and LG 0016-169, in the financial year 2019/2020. These tractors were under the overall control of the Production Department, with Mr. Johnson Opigo serving as the Acting District Production Officer.
On May 14, 2020, Mr. Opigo received 1,768,000 Ugandan shillings from tractor revenue to facilitate a trip to purchase tractor spare parts. However, he did not carry out the activity and failed to account for the funds.
The report further reveals that Mr. Johnson Opigo, who was entrusted with the district tractors, hired unqualified operators, leading to their mismanagement and the eventual breakdown of tractor registration number LG 0015-169.
The IG report also states that Obongi District Local Government acquired a speed boat in the financial year 2019/2020 at a cost of 76,944,000 Ugandan shillings to combat illegal fishing. However, the speed boat broke down due to operation by unauthorized personnel.
In a phone interview on Monday evening, Obongi CAO Otim Humphrey Benson confirmed receiving the letter but stated he would provide further details later, as he was in a meeting.
Attempts to reach the Obongi LCV Chairman for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was off at the time of reporting.
