Kotido, Uganda – Two senior officials in Kotido have been remanded to prison after being charged with mismanaging funds from the Emyooga program, intended to empower local communities.
Daniel Lowot, Kotido Municipal Council Commercial Officer and Tadeo Muria, the former District Commercial Officer, were remanded on Wednesday after being accused of obtaining money by false pretense.
The charges stem from an investigation triggered by Kotido’s Resident District Commissioner, Charles Ichogor, who raised concerns about the distribution of Emyooga funds, which were reportedly not reaching their intended beneficiaries.
The two officials, alongside two local leaders from the Jie County Performers Association – Hassan Teko and Alice Nakiru were arrested last week after the General Enquiry revealed widespread issues with the program’s management.
Preliminary investigations, according to Kotido’s Assistant RDC, Peter Abrahams Lokwi, have pointed to serious “gross mismanagement” of the funds.
The Emyooga initiative, designed to support local businesses and empower Ugandans, has faced criticism in several districts for its poor execution, and Kotido appears to be no exception.
The inquiry suggests that many associations and beneficiaries were left out, and funds were misallocated, contributing to local frustration.
During the court session, which was attended by friends and family members of the accused, the hopes for a public hearing were dashed as the court clerk read the remand order behind closed doors.
The two officials were promptly escorted to Kotido Government Prison, where they will remain until December 2, 2024, when the charges will be confirmed.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in the management of government programs, particularly in remote districts, where oversight and accountability can be difficult.
