By Hilary Opio
Kole, Uganda – The Deputy Inspector General of Government (IGG) Patricia Achan Okiria has directed Kole District engineer, Ojut Julius, to refund 5,000,000 shillings following an investigation into the mismanagement of funds allocated for the Ngetta-Alito road.
In a letter dated December 4, 2024, the Deputy IGG’s office outlined that Ojut Julius had failed to properly account for funds intended to purchase murram for the road, which is now in a state of disrepair.
The investigation revealed that Ojut Julius had received a total of 8,000,000 shillings for the purchase of murram. However, he only accounted for 3,000,000 shillings of the amount.
He claimed that 2,000,000 shillings was paid to one Obong George on behalf of another individual, Opio Martin, for murram, but investigators were unable to trace either of these individuals, and no evidence was provided to verify the claim.
Further discrepancies were uncovered when Ojut Julius claimed to have paid 2,000,000 shillings to Acuti Peter for quarry materials. However, Acuti Peter confirmed he had only received 1,000,000 shillings.
Similarly, Ojut Julius stated that he paid 2,000,000 shillings to another supplier, Oyang Joseph, but Oyang confirmed receiving only 1,000,000 shillings.
A third supplier, Omara Bosco, was also allegedly paid 2,000,000 shillings, but he too received just 1,000,000 shillings.
The funds were intended to support the gravelling of 22 kilometers of the Ngetta-Alito road, but the road is currently in a deplorable state.
Many local residents have expressed frustration, blaming the poor road condition on shoddy work and the inadequate amount of murram that was applied.
This latest development marks the second time this year that the IGG has intervened in Kole District’s handling of road funds.
In 2023, the IGG issued a public notice directing several civil servants, including Kole District engineer Okello Emmanuel, to refund a total of 43,117,000 shillings for road funds that were misused.
The IGG’s actions highlight the ongoing issue of mismanagement and corruption within Uganda’s road infrastructure projects and the IGG has demanded the immediate return of 5,000,000 shillings by Ojut Julius to the asset recovery account.
This case serves as a reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds meant for critical infrastructure development.
