Lira officials sent back to prison

Aug 20, 2009

Five officials of Lira district, who were charged with fraud last week, denied the charges when taken back to court on Wednesday and were sent back to prison.

By Patrick Okino and Geofrey Odyek

Five officials of Lira district, who were charged with fraud last week, denied the charges when taken back to court on Wednesday and were sent back to prison.

The chief administrative officer, John Okolimo, the district planner, Francis Okello, the National Agriculture Advisory Services (NAADS) coordinator, Dr. Benard Otim, the internal auditor, Emmanuel Opila and the acting chief finance officer, Richard Adoko, appeared before the Grade One magistrate, Faith Palodi.

Palodi remanded them to Lira Prison till August 27 as investigations continue.

It is alleged that the accused misappropriated NAADS funds, conspired to swindle the poverty alleviation funds, opened illegal bank accounts and acted arbitrarily during the execution of their official duties.

The Police, led by the acting commissioner of the anti-corruption squad, John Steven Otim, arrested the officials last week.

Steven Otim and the criminal investigation director, Edward Ochom, are in the district to investigate the mismanagement of NAADS funds after the issue was brought to their attention by the NAADS secretariat.

Meanwhile, the Police are also investigating Lira municipality leaders over the misappropriation of funds.

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