Alebtong officials to appear in court over alleged sh165m irregular payment

______________

Two senior officials from Alebtong District Local Government are expected to appear in court today, Thursday (March 5), to answer charges of causing financial loss in connection with the alleged irregular payment of more than sh165 million to a construction company.

On February 24, 2026, the Nakasero-based Anti-Corruption Court of Uganda, presided over by Grade One Magistrate Esther Asiimwe, summoned the two officials to appear in court today, March 5, 2026, to take plea on the charges.

The officials, Ben Ogwete Otim, the chief administrative officer, and Stephen Andeoye, the chief finance officer, were summoned after Chief State Attorney Abigail Agaba from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions informed the court that the accused persons were not present in court to plead to the charges.

According to court documents, the duo is accused of irregularly authorising the payment of sh165,502,866 to Otada Construction Company Limited during the 2018/2019 financial year for works that had allegedly not been executed.

Prosecution led by Agaba alleges that the payment was made under contract reference MoH-UGIFT/WKS/2018/19/0001-20, contrary to procurement laws and established procedures.

It is further alleged that the accused, while employed by the Government of Uganda in their respective capacities, had reason to believe that authorising payment for unexecuted works would cause financial loss to Alebtong District Local Government.