In Apac, two municipal officials have been arrested on charges of diverting funds and abusing their positions. The individuals in question are Mr. Douglas Odoc, the senior assistant town clerk, and Mr. Bob Bongo Rukis, the treasurer of Agulu Division in Apac Municipality. Their arrest was ordered by Apac Resident District Commissioner, Mr. George Abudul.
The allegations revolve around the diversion of Shs26.7 million from the Discretionary Development Equalization Grant (DDEG) funds. This money was originally allocated by the Apac Municipal Council for the construction of the division headquarters, a project that has been at a standstill for over six months.
The trouble began when the Agulu Division chairman, Mr. Julius Okello, locked the division’s offices due to suspicions of misusing public funds. Ms. Lilly Akidi, the senior internal auditor for Apac Municipal, emphasized that diverting funds not only obstructs development but also undermines the council’s decisions.
Mr. Odoc admitted to the fund diversion and explained that he had been reluctant to follow the budget and DDEG guidelines. He acknowledged his role in the misuse of the funds.
Mr. Abudul stated that the suspects are currently in custody at Apac Central Police Station, and investigations into the matter are underway. He emphasized their goal of recovering the misappropriated funds to ensure the continuation of the division headquarters construction project.
