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Bulambuli district officials remanded over alleged abuse of office
The two officials were arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), working together with the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and were on July 17, 2026, remanded to Luzira Prison until August 3, 2026.
Eng. Paul Walimbwa, the Bulambuli district engineer, and Dr Richard Mulongo, the district health officer, were on July 17, 2026, remanded to Luzira Prison until August 3, 2026. (Courtesy photo)
By: Charles Etukuri, Journalist @New Vision
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Eng. Paul Walimbwa, the Bulambuli district engineer, and Dr Richard Mulongo, the district health officer, have been arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala on charges of abuse of office, causing financial loss, and neglect of duty resulting in the loss of public funds.
The two officials were arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), working together with the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), and were on July 17, 2026, remanded to Luzira Prison until August 3, 2026.
The State alleged that investigations revealed that Eng. Walimbwa, while serving as district engineer during the financial year 2021/2022, allegedly abused his office by directing the supply of door frames and window casements in quantities exceeding those required and authorised for the construction of the Bulambuli district administration block.
It is alleged that he bypassed the prescribed procurement procedures and failed to obtain the necessary approvals, resulting in a financial loss to the Government of more than sh20 million.
Eng. Walimbwa is also under separate investigation over the alleged misappropriation of the sh1 billion road project in Bulambuli district.
Preliminary findings from the Ministry of Works and Transport's Mbale Regional Materials Laboratory indicate that garden soil was allegedly used on Kimulu-Tunyi Road instead of the approved gravel and murram. Investigations are still ongoing.
It is alleged that he bypassed the prescribed procurement procedures and failed to obtain the necessary approvals, resulting in a financial loss to the Government of more than sh20 million.
Eng. Walimbwa is also under separate investigation over the alleged misappropriation of the sh1 billion road project in Bulambuli district.
Preliminary findings from the Ministry of Works and Transport's Mbale Regional Materials Laboratory indicate that garden soil was allegedly used on Kimulu-Tunyi Road instead of the approved gravel and murram. Investigations are still ongoing.
Dr Mulongo was charged with abuse of office, causing financial loss, and negligence leading to the loss of public funds. Investigations revealed that, while serving as senior medical officer in charge of Muyembe Health Centre IV during the financial year 2021/2022, he irregularly oversaw the construction of a pit latrine in contravention of the approved standards and procedures for health facilities.
It is further alleged that he requisitioned sh7 million for the construction despite the works not meeting the required standards. As a result, the pit latrine has never become operational since its construction, leading to the loss of public funds intended to improve healthcare service delivery.
A statement released by SHACU indicated that the arrest of the two officials formed part of the ongoing nationwide #Exposethecorrupt anti-corruption campaign spearheaded by the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, to expose and hold accountable corrupt officials in local governments.
The campaign commenced in Eastern Uganda.
It is further alleged that he requisitioned sh7 million for the construction despite the works not meeting the required standards. As a result, the pit latrine has never become operational since its construction, leading to the loss of public funds intended to improve healthcare service delivery.
A statement released by SHACU indicated that the arrest of the two officials formed part of the ongoing nationwide #Exposethecorrupt anti-corruption campaign spearheaded by the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, to expose and hold accountable corrupt officials in local governments.
The campaign commenced in Eastern Uganda.