Arua, Uganda: Andiandu Joakim, the Desk Officer for the DRDIP project in Arua, faces uncertain times after his arrest on Tuesday morning by the RDC’s office intelligence team. He was apprehended red-handed with 20 million UGX, which he allegedly intended to hand over to the police as evidence of corruption.
According to Mr. Jawoko Dennis, the Deputy RDC of Arua district, who led the arrest and spoke to The Ankole Times over the phone, Joakim’s arrest occurred after he withdrew 41 million shillings from the “Ombamba Youth Revolving Fund Group” in Ajia parish, Ajia sub-county, Arua district.
The group was expecting the full 41 million, but they were informed that only 20 million was available. Joakim Andiandu, now in police custody, reportedly vomited the entire 20 million before the police and RDC’s office.
The Deputy RDC revealed that Joakim Andiandu, who also serves as the Arua district Senior Environment Officer and DRDIP Desk Officer, was arrested immediately for allegedly extorting 20 million UGX meant for the Ombamba youth savings group under the Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP).
Joakim, along with Owen Onzima, the area community facilitator, was arrested for collusion in sharing the misappropriated funds meant for the community members of the “Ombamba Youth Savings Group.”
Deputy RDC Denis Jawoko clarified that the 20 million shillings was part of the 41 million withdrawn by the “Ombamba group leaders” from the bank.
A whistleblower within the group alerted Deputy RDC Jawoko Denis upon discovering the discrepancy between the withdrawn 41 million and the received 20 million, leading to heightened concern among community members.
Joakim allegedly aggravated the situation by informing the group that 20 million was earmarked for district leadership, including the RDC, DISO, LCV, CAO, among others. This revelation prompted a whistleblower to tip off the RDC’s office.
The case has been filed at Arua district police headquarters under CRB 011/2024, with Joakim recording a statement during the investigation. As of Tuesday evening, he remained in Arua police cell, and the case file is expected to undergo further review for possible prosecution in court.
Investigations also revealed that the Desk Officer had reportedly given one million shillings to the community facilitator, identified as Owen, according to Deputy RDC Jawoko.
A member of the group, requesting anonymity, urged the RDC’s office to ensure Joakim is brought before the anti-corruption court in Kololo, expressing concerns about a potential release if tried locally in Arua.
Deputy RDC Jawoko emphasized that the case file must progress to its logical conclusion, and the suspect should face court proceedings without interference. He expressed confidence in the DPP and police to handle the matter within the rule of law.
