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The Arua district water engineer, currently in Police custody regarding suspected theft of sh130 million, is set to be formally charged next week.

Ali Munira, the Inspectorate of Government spokesperson, confirmed in a telephone interview on Saturday (January 6), that Norman Ijuka is set to face abuse of office charges at the Anti-Corruption Court in Nakasero.

Munira further stated that Ijuka remains in Police custody pending his court appearance. He was apprehended on Wednesday (January 3) on suspicion of misappropriating funds intended for district projects.

On Wednesday, Deputy Inspector General of Government Patricia Achan Okiria disclosed that Ijuka allegedly misappropriated 847 water pipes designated for the Odupi water project in Omugo sub-county, Arua district.

It is further alleged that Ijuka stole iron bars, concrete blocks, and assorted paint valued at approximately sh30 million from the office block construction site. These construction materials were the property of the National Water and Sewerage Corporation.

The Inspectorate of Government revealed that Ijuka falsely claimed that the work had been completed as assigned whereas not.

Under Section 11(1) of the Anti-Corruption Court Act, a person found guilty of the offense of abuse of office faces up to seven years' imprisonment upon conviction, a fine not exceeding sh1.3m, or both.