Works principal engineer arrested over sh6b illicit enrichment

KAMPALA - Umar Katongole, the Principal Engineer in the Ministry of Works and Transport, has been arrested on charges of illicit enrichment and money laundering. 

Katongole is facing the charges jointly with Hawah Sengendo alias Kawa Bitone, the Senior Community Development Officer of Wobulenzi Town Council, Luweero District, according to a statement issued by the Inspectorate of Government.

It is alleged that Katongole in 2015, was in possession of property valued at sh6.2b "which was disproportionate to his income, past known sources of income and assets."

It is further alleged that Katongole, on August 25, 2015, for purposes of disguising the illicit origin of the properties, transferred them to Darkins Uganda Ltd "knowing or having reason to believe that such properties are proceeds of crime."

It is also alleged that Katongole and Sengendo between April 4, 2011, to August 6, 2015, at Tropical Bank Ltd main branch in Kampala deposited sh2.8b on account No.0010102561 "for purpose of concealing or disguising the illicit origin of funds, knowing or having reasons to believe that the said funds were proceeds of crime."