Kibaale CAO arrested over alleged misuse of govt property
The Inspectorate of Government noted that following the operation, Katotoroma was arrested and detained at Kibaale Central Police Station, where he recorded a statement and was later released on police bond.
Inspectorate of Government (IG) officials arrest suspects in Kibaale District. (Courtesy Photo/IG)
_________________
Officials from the Inspectorate of Government have arrested the Kibaale District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), John Katotoroma, and impounded a district bulldozer valued at approximately sh600 million that was allegedly being irregularly hired out to Karukana Enterprises Limited for private gain.
The Inspectorate of Government, in a statement released on Thursday (July 23), said the bulldozer registration number LG 0028-19, is currently in the custody of Kibaale Central Police Station.
“The operation was conducted by officers from the Inspectorate of Government’s Hoima Regional Office in collaboration with Hoima Central Police Station. Preliminary investigations established that the bulldozer was allegedly being irregularly hired out to Karukana Enterprises for private gain. Preliminary findings indicate that the alleged arrangement involved the CAO, Katotoroma, and the District Engineer, Chrizestom Bagire, contrary to the laws and regulations governing the management and use of government property,” the statement said.
“Investigations into the alleged misuse of government property, contrary to Section 9(5) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Cap. 116, are still ongoing. The District Engineer, Bagire, is currently not in custody but has been invited by the Inspectorate of Government Hoima Regional Office to assist with the ongoing investigations,” the statement indicated.
Inspectorate of Government (IG) officials arrest suspects in Kibaale District. (Courtesy Photo/IG)
The office of the Inspectorate of Government reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public assets, combating corruption, and ensuring that government resources are managed lawfully, transparently and solely for the benefit of the public.
In September 2021, the Police and the State House Anti-Corruption Unit impounded Hoima District Road equipment over alleged misuse.
The equipment that included a grader and a Vibro roller machine were found on a private farm owned by an Indian investor in Kigumba town council, Kiryandongo district. At the time they were impounded, the grader and the Vibro roller had their number plates plucked off.
This caused the arrest of the Hoima district engineer, Ibrahim Luswata, works supervisor Vincent Irumba, and Charles Tibagwa, a mechanic attached to Hoima district local government.
The suspects, together with other top district officials, were alleged to have connived and hired out the road equipment to the Indian investor.