The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has taken action against alleged financial misconduct within Bugiri District Local Government. Ezaruku Kazimiro, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Madi Okollo District, stands accused of embezzling Shillings 1.2 billion during the 2020/2021 financial year. Alongside Kazimiro, five departmental heads, the Deputy CAO, and three accountants from Bugiri District Local Government have also been apprehended.
| Suspect Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Ezaruku Kazimiro | Chief Administrative Officer |
| Haruna Kamba | Deputy Chief Administrative Officer |
| Paul Isiko | District Production Officer |
| Mustapher Nyende | Chief Finance Officer |
| Fred Ikaaba | District Engineer |
| Muhammad Kyondha | District Planner |
| Henry Kabulo | District Education Officer |
| Abdallah Waiswa | Senior District Accountant |
| Minsa Atoire | Senior Accounts Assistant |
| Fred Bazibu | Assistant Accountant |
Their arrests stem from reports by whistleblowers, alleging the withholding of employee salaries during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite government funds being allocated. Furthermore, the whistleblowers claim that concerns over unpaid salaries or unexplained deductions were met with threats of dismissal. Kazimiro, during his tenure as CAO from 2019 to 2023, is alleged to have colluded with others to manipulate payroll systems and divert funds meant for civil servants.
Frederick Oketch, the Busoga Regional Inspectorate Officer, revealed that evidence suggests the suspects deposited excessive amounts into a single civil servant’s account, instructing them to return it for easy deposit into the district account. These funds were then divided among the suspects, causing delays in payments to legitimate recipients. Oketch raised concerns about payroll fraud across the entire Busoga sub-region, urging collective action against corruption.
The suspects are slated to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court today, facing charges of fraud and causing financial loss to the government. Oketch stressed the importance of collaboration between victims and stakeholders in combating corruption.
