Former Gulu referral hospital officials jailed over sh2.18b loss

By Edward Anyoli 

TWO former Gulu referral hospital officials have been remanded to Luzira prison over sh2.18b loss.

Dr. Agel Yovantino Akii and Geoffrey Omongo an accountant were charged with abuse of office and embezzlement at Anti- Corruption Court. They denied the charges before Chief Magistrate Irene Akankwasa.

Prosecution said Akii and   Omongo while employed by public service as a senior consultant and accountant respectively   between 2008 and 2010 at Gulu referral hospital undertook an additional construction works and variations of several contracts when they irregularly approved additional sh1.9b without approval from Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Asset (PPDA)

Prosecution further alleged that Akii Omongo and Walimbwa Aliyi stole an additional sh214m which came into their possession by virtue of their employment. Walimbwa is not yet charged.

In another separate charge of embezzlement the three are also accused of stealing another sh59m meant for Gulu referral hospital.

Under the Anti- Corruption Act any person found guilty of embezzlement is liable to imprisonment not exceeding fourteen years or a fine not exceeding sh6.7m or both.

While offence of abuse carries seven years imprisonment on conviction or a fine not exceeding sh2.5m or both.

Prosecution was represented by state attorney Paul Lakidi from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) while Patrick Nyakana represented the accused.

Chief Magistrate Akankwasa said she could not entertain their bail application because she was busy writing a judgment that she was going to deliver. She will hear their bail application today (Wednesday).