Alebtong District Officials Re-Summoned Over Shs165 Million Financial Loss

The Anti-Corruption Court sitting in Nakasero has re-summoned two senior officials from Alebtong District Local Government to answer charges of causing financial loss to the government in connection with the alleged irregular payment of more than Shs165 million to a private construction company.

According to court records, the officials are accused of authorising and facilitating the payment to the contractor under circumstances that allegedly contravened public financial management guidelines governing the use of government funds.

Prosecution contends that the payment was processed and released without following the required verification procedures, including confirmation of the works executed by the construction firm and proper approval from the relevant authorities within the district administration.

Investigators allege that the irregular payment resulted in a financial loss to the government, prompting the case to be filed before the Anti-Corruption Court, which handles corruption and abuse of office cases involving public officials.

The Nakasero-based court issued fresh summons after the two officials reportedly failed to appear before court as earlier directed to take plea on the charges.

The court has now ordered them to appear and answer to the accusations leveled against them.

Under Uganda’s anti-corruption laws, the offence of causing financial loss arises when a public officer, through negligence or abuse of office, leads to the loss of public funds by failing to adhere to established financial management procedures.

If found guilty, the accused officials could face penalties that include fines, imprisonment, or both, as provided for under the Anti-Corruption Act.

The case forms part of ongoing efforts by government agencies and the judiciary to combat corruption and enforce accountability in the management of public resources within local governments across the country.

The matter is expected to return to court once the summoned officials appear to respond to the charges and further proceedings are scheduled.