KAMPALA UGANDA: 17 JULY 2026- The Anti-Corruption Court has remanded two senior Bulambuli District officials over allegations of abuse of office, causing financial loss, and neglect of duty.
Eng. Paul Walimbwa (District Engineer) and Dr. Muhamed Richard Mulongo (District Health Officer) were arraigned before the court following a joint investigation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), the Police Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Both officials have been remanded in custody until August 3, 2026.
Investigations by state authorities detail a pattern of procurement bypasses and structural procurement inflation during the Financial Year 2021/2022:
Administration Block Procurement Inflation: Eng. Walimbwa is accused of abusing his office by ordering door frames and window casements in quantities that far exceeded those authorized for the construction of the Bulambuli District Administration Block. By bypassing standard procurement protocols and failing to seek necessary approvals, he allegedly caused a direct financial loss to the government exceeding UGX 20 million.
The UGX 1 Billion Road Scandal: In a separate, ongoing investigation, the District Engineer is being questioned over the misappropriation of UGX 1 billion earmarked for the Kimulu–Tunyi Road project. Preliminary tests conducted by the Ministry of Works and Transport’s Mbale Regional Materials Laboratory revealed that garden soil was allegedly used on the road instead of the approved gravel and murram.
Dr. Mulongo faces charges of abuse of office and negligence arising from his previous role as the Senior Medical Officer In-Charge of Muyembe Health Centre IV during the FY 2021/2022:
Substandard Pit Latrine Construction: Dr. Mulongo allegedly oversaw the construction of a staff pit latrine that directly violated approved public health facility standards.
Misappropriation of Funds: Despite the construction failing to meet safety and engineering requirements, Dr. Mulongo requisitioned and approved the release of UGX 7 million for the works.
Public Impact: Because the structure was condemned as substandard, the pit latrine has never been used since its construction, rendering the taxpayer-funded project a complete loss and hindering local healthcare service delivery.
These high-profile arrests are part of a broader, aggressive nationwide sweep targeting public sector accountability.
This operation is a key milestone in the ongoing #Exposethecorrupt anti-corruption campaign. Spearheaded by the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, the initiative aims to root out and prosecute corrupt public officials, beginning its targeted enforcement in Eastern Uganda.
Investigations into both officials remain active as state prosecutors prepare for the upcoming court hearing on August 3, 2026.
