The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, has ordered the police to investigate an over 52 million shillings solar lighting project at Riyadh Mosque in Okuni East village, where funds were allegedly embezzled for the project and tree planting.
The Obongi RDC issued the directive after receiving a complaint from the management of Riyadh Mosque in Yenga Parish, claiming that more than 52 million shillings allocated for the project under the DRDIP (Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project) was embezzled.
The mosque management also alleged that the solar project was overpriced, while 5% of the funds meant for tree planting and environmental activities were misappropriated by the Ag District Forest Officer of Obongi, Rongum Tair, who reportedly took the money and supplied air instead.
The management of Riyadh Mosque provided a copy of a bank statement showing the fifty-two million, sixteen thousand, six hundred and twenty-two shillings allocated to the project, which was implemented by Epicenter Uganda Ltd under the DRDIP initiative.
RDC Hashaka took immediate action, visiting the Riyadh Mosque where he climbed an eucalyptus ladder to confirm that only four solar panels were supplied under the over 52 million shillings project.
The CID department at Palorinya Police Station has opened a case of corruption under SD ref 11/24/02/2025.
