Nwoya CAO, two others arrested over illegal animal market
Nantume was arrested together with Fred Kalisa, a farmer and resident of Gotokwara village in Lungulu subcounty, Nwoya district, and Ronald Wanda, a businessman based in Kiyindi, Buikwe district.
Nwoya CAO, two others arrested over illegal animal market. (Courtesy)
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The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has arrested Nwoya district chief administrative officer (CAO) Janephar Egunyu Nantume over alleged involvement in the operation of an illegal animal market.
Nantume was arrested together with Fred Kalisa, a farmer and resident of Gotokwara village in Lungulu subcounty, Nwoya district, and Ronald Wanda, a businessman based in Kiyindi, Buikwe district.
The trio faces charges of abuse of office, contrary to Section 10 (1) of the Anti-Corruption Act, and theft, contrary to Section 254(1) of the Penal Code Act. The offence of theft attracts a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment upon conviction, while abuse of office carries a seven-year jail term.
In a statement dated April 27, 2026, the IG said the suspects are expected to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, to take plea.
It is alleged that Nantume abused her authority by disregarding established procedures for setting up animal markets and authorised the operation of an illegal market in Gotokwara village, Lungulu subcounty.
The IG states that the actions were reportedly prejudicial to the interests of the district.
According to the IG, Nantume allegedly committed the offences between January 2023 and December 2024 while serving as CAO of Nwoya District Local Government.
The IG further alleges that Kalisa and Wanda, during the same period, managed the said animal market and fraudulently obtained sh20.6m belonging to Nwoya District Local Government.