KOLE, Uganda — The Kole District Engineer has found himself in legal trouble after allegations of diversion and misuse of funds.
The Inspector General of Government (IGG), in a letter dated December 4, 2024, directed Kole Engineer Ojut Julius to refund Ugx 5,000,000 to the IGG Asset Recovery Account (Account No. 003030088000007) at the Bank of Uganda.
The funds were intended for the purchase of murram for the Ngetta-Alito Road, which Ojut failed to account for.
During the IGG’s investigation, it was discovered that Eng. Ojut Julius had received Ugx 8,000,000 for the murram, but only accounted for Ugx 3,000,000. He claimed to have paid Ugx 2,000,000 to one Obong George on behalf of Opio Martin for murram.
However, IGG investigators were unable to trace these individuals, and no evidence was presented showing they had received the money.
Ojut further claimed to have paid Ugx 2,000,000 to Mr. Acuti Peter for a quarry. However, Mr. Acuti Peter stated that he only received Ugx 1,000,000. A second supplier, Mr. Oyang Joseph, was also claimed by Ojut Julius to have been paid Ugx 2,000,000, but he only received Ugx 1,000,000. Ojut also claimed to have paid a third supplier, Mr. Omara Bosco, Ugx 2,000,000, but Mr. Omara Bosco only received Ugx 1,000,000.
The murram was intended for graveling 22 km of the Ngetta-Alito Road. The road is currently in a deplorable state, which many residents attribute to substandard work and insufficient murram application.
In 2023, the IGG issued a public notice directing several civil servants to refund money to the IGG Asset Recovery Account. Among those implicated was the Acting Kole District Engineer, Okello Emmanuel, listed under No. 78 and No. 572, who was directed to refund road funds worth Ugx 43,117,000. This is the second time in a year that the IGG has directed Kole District to refund money intended for road maintenance.
Many people in Kole have praised Dr. Patricia Acan Okiria, the IGG, for her efforts in exposing corruption in the district.
https://ankoletimes.co.ug/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IGG-Orders-for-refund.pdf
