In a recent interview held with the media at Lira City West Division, Kole North County MP, Hon. Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, called for swift action against suspects involved in the disappearance of approximately 370 million UGX.
This amount, part of Kole road funds, is believed to have been mismanaged by certain individuals. He mentioned that he had already opened a general inquiry file (005/2024) at Kole CPS and assured the people of Kole District that police investigations have already begun.
Opio now wants the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the IGG headquarters to take a keen interest in the matter. He accuses the engineering department of Kole District and some individuals of swindling government funds meant for the benefit of the Wanainchi.
Dr. Opio Acuti, who also serves as the Chairman of Works in Kole District, expressed his concern that the 1 billion UGX earmarked for several roads in Kole District is being misused by the district engineer and some associates due to discrepancies in fuel usage, irregularities, incomplete/shoddy work, and other issues.
He added that work is never completed on roads, including the installation of 46/56 culverts, despite the full disbursement of funds. He noted that over 13,280,000 UGX ends up being spent at twice the necessary amount. “Evidence is there, and we want this issue investigated thoroughly, with appropriate actions taken by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and IGG, so that the 13 suspects are brought to book,” he said.
Dr. Opio Acuti also mentioned that people in Kole District, including Boda Boda riders, are losing their lives on the roads due to the incomplete and shoddy work done by some individuals in the district. Kole District currently has a road network of 331 kilometers, according to MP Dr. Opio Samuel Acuti.
However, a police report indicates that nine people have so far recorded statements pertaining to the matter, as confirmed by North Kyoga Region police PRO SP Jimmy Patrick Okema. Meanwhile, MP Dr. Opio Acuti has appealed to the IGG headquarters and the office of Brig. Isoke, the head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, to camp in Kole and arrest all suspected culprits, irrespective of their positions in Kole District.
When contacted last week, the Kole District LCV Chairman, Hon. Moses Andrew Awany, denied these allegations, attributing them to political motivations.
