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Acting Luwa town council clerk charged over alleged abuse of office
Kurobe joins several other district officials from Mbale and Namisindwa districts who have since been charged with engaging in corrupt practices or interdicted following Minister Barugahara’s visit.
Samuel Kurobe was arraigned on August 7, 2026, before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court. (Courtesy photo)
By: Charles Etukuri, Journalist @New Vision
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The acting town clerk of Luwa town council in Namisindwa District has been charged with abuse of office and remanded until August 13, 2026, over an alleged irregular purchase of land for sh40 million.
Samuel Kurobe was arraigned on August 7, 2026, before the Anti-Corruption Division of the High Court following his arrest by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), working together with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
His arrest and arraignment follow the continued “Expose the Corrupt” National Campaign spearheaded by local government minister Balaam Barugahara to strengthen accountability and address corruption in local governments.
A statement released by SHACU said that, according to investigations, sh150 million was allocated to Luwa town council in Namisindwa District Local Government for the purchase of land and construction of administrative offices.
“It is alleged that sh40 million of this amount was reported to have been used to purchase land located in Kungu cell, Bunambobi ward, Luwa town council, Namisindwa district. However, the purchase was allegedly carried out without following the required procurement procedures or conducting an official valuation of the land,” the statement said.
A statement released by SHACU said that, according to investigations, sh150 million was allocated to Luwa town council in Namisindwa District Local Government for the purchase of land and construction of administrative offices.
“It is alleged that sh40 million of this amount was reported to have been used to purchase land located in Kungu cell, Bunambobi ward, Luwa town council, Namisindwa district. However, the purchase was allegedly carried out without following the required procurement procedures or conducting an official valuation of the land,” the statement said.
Investigations allegedly established that the land was actually purchased for sh12 million. It is further alleged that a forged sale agreement indicating a purchase price of sh40 million was subsequently created to make it appear that the land had been bought at that amount.
Kurobe, who was employed by Namisindwa District Local Government as a senior assistant secretary and assigned duties as acting town clerk of Luwa town council, is alleged to have abused the authority of his office in connection with the transaction.
Barugahara physically visited the purchased land and met locals, including the property owner, who publicly denied that he was given sh40 million for the piece of land.
Kurobe joins several other district officials from Mbale and Namisindwa districts who have since been charged with engaging in corrupt practices or interdicted following Minister Barugahara’s visit.
Kurobe, who was employed by Namisindwa District Local Government as a senior assistant secretary and assigned duties as acting town clerk of Luwa town council, is alleged to have abused the authority of his office in connection with the transaction.
Barugahara physically visited the purchased land and met locals, including the property owner, who publicly denied that he was given sh40 million for the piece of land.
Kurobe joins several other district officials from Mbale and Namisindwa districts who have since been charged with engaging in corrupt practices or interdicted following Minister Barugahara’s visit.