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IGG arrests three officials over abuse of office in Arua
The suspects were arrested on Tuesday (October 20) over abuse of office after they allegedly diverted sh200m meant for procuring fixed assets for the district.
Former Arua CAO Ismail Ochengel, now CAO Lira, was picked up from Lira on Tuesday, October 21. (Photo By Robert Ariaka)
By: Robert Ariaka, Journalist @New Vision
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Officials from Office of the Inspector General of Government (IGG) have arrested three officials over abuse of office.
The three are: Chief Finance Officer, Arua District, Roy Anguamaniyo, who was picked from his office; former District Planner Shaphan Avua Andeku, who was arrested from the IGG offices in Arua; and former Arua chief administrative officer Ismael Ochengel, who was picked from his current workstation in Lira.
The suspects were arrested on Tuesday (October 20) over abuse of office after they allegedly diverted sh200m meant for procuring fixed assets for the district.
According to the Inspectorate of Government, the three diverted the money to other unrelated purposes for which the money was not intended.
IGG spokesperson Ali Munira said more details will be provided in an official statement.
However, a charge sheet from the inspectorate dated September 14, 2026, indicates that the three were under investigation under reference ARU/6/1/2019.
Under the first count, the trio was charged with diversion of public resources contrary to section 6 of the Anti-Corruption Act Cap 116.
IGG spokesperson Ali Munira said more details will be provided in an official statement.
However, a charge sheet from the inspectorate dated September 14, 2026, indicates that the three were under investigation under reference ARU/6/1/2019.
Under the first count, the trio was charged with diversion of public resources contrary to section 6 of the Anti-Corruption Act Cap 116.
"The particulars of the offense indicate that, Ochengel, Anguamaniyo and Andeku during financial year 2017/2018 in Arua District while employed as Chief Administrative Officer, Internal Auditor/acting Chief Finance Officer and District Planner for Arua District respectively, diverted sh200m Discretionary Development Equalisation Grant (DDEG) funds meant for procuring fixed assets to an unrelated purpose from that which the resources were intended," the charge sheet stated.
Under count II, the trio was charged with abuse of office, which is prejudicial to the interest of their employers.
"During the same financial year, Ochengel, Anguamaniyo and Andeku committed an arbitrary act when they diverted sh200m from DDEG funds meant for procuring fixed assets for the district to unrelated purposes from that which the resources were intended, an act prejudicial to the interest of their employer - the Government of Uganda," the charge sheet added.
The charges that resulted into the arrest of the suspects were signed by IGG Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala and Brenda Kimbugwe Mawanda, the Assistant Director Prosecution.
New Vision Online has learnt that Andeku (former Arua district planner) has since retired. The suspects were transferred to Kampala, where they are expected to be charged before the anti-corruption court.
Under count II, the trio was charged with abuse of office, which is prejudicial to the interest of their employers.
"During the same financial year, Ochengel, Anguamaniyo and Andeku committed an arbitrary act when they diverted sh200m from DDEG funds meant for procuring fixed assets for the district to unrelated purposes from that which the resources were intended, an act prejudicial to the interest of their employer - the Government of Uganda," the charge sheet added.
The charges that resulted into the arrest of the suspects were signed by IGG Lady Justice Aisha Naluzze Batala and Brenda Kimbugwe Mawanda, the Assistant Director Prosecution.
New Vision Online has learnt that Andeku (former Arua district planner) has since retired. The suspects were transferred to Kampala, where they are expected to be charged before the anti-corruption court.