13 Apac officials jailed over fraud

Aug 02, 2009

Five Apac district officials and eight Police officers were on Friday charged with several counts, including embezzlement, and remanded at Atopi prison.

By Patrick Okino

Five Apac district officials and eight Police officers were on Friday charged with several counts, including embezzlement, and remanded at Atopi prison.

Other charges were abuse of office, neglect of duty, destruction of evidence and financial loss amounting to sh531m.

The officials detained were the district water engineer, Martin Olwa, the chief finance officer, Gapson Yeko Ogwang, the principal internal auditor, Sam Eyul, the district water officer, Patrick Onyong and account assistant Grace Acipa.

The funds were disbursed by the Government to drill boreholes, maintain them and pay health workers who operate in difficult circumstances, according to the criminal investigation director, Edward Ochom.

Ochom was directed by the Inspector General of Police, Kale Kayihura, to investigate corruption in the water sector, as well as alleged fabrication and mishandling of criminal cases by the Police.

The probe was prompted by complaints from the local civil society organisation, Apac Anti-Corruption Coalition, and Maruzi County MP David Ebong (Independent).

Former Apac district CID officer, now regional training officer in Gulu, Richard Ebu, was charged with fabricating cases, conspiracy to defeat the course of justice, abuse of office, neglect of duty and disobedience of lawful orders.

Other Police officers implicated were Kenneth Okello, Denis Agena, Emmanuel Okello, Max Ejong, Bosco Ojok, Cpl. Orec John Bosco and Augustine Ojungu.

“The investigation was very revealing,” Ochom told journalists at Apac Police station where he had camped since a week.

“We found fraud in the water sector. We also discovered over 55 cases that were mismanaged and the key players were the Police, the judiciary and the Director of Public Prosecutions.”

Molly Akello, and Martin Adoko, two civilians who were allegedly being used by the Police to fabricate cases of rape, were also arrested and charged with giving false information and fabricating evidence.

Ochom said another Police officer involved in the cases, who was transferred to Kumi, would also be arrested. A former chief administrative officer (CAO), who was not named, is reportedly also on the list of suspects.

“The money was sent to drill boreholes but the boreholes are nowhere to be seen,” Ochom said.

“They went ahead and certified that the work was done, yet there is nothing on the ground.”

The Police spokesperson, Judith Nabakooba, and other senior officers from the CID headquarters spent several days in Apac to help in the investigation.

The suspects failed to secure bail after the magistrate, Opio Okol, said he had no jurisdiction over the cases. They were remanded until August 14.

After meeting over 500 complainants at the Apac district women’s hall on Thursday, Ochom ordered that all mishandled and unresolved cases in the district be investigated afresh.

“I have seen the complaints filed by the Apac Anti-Corruption Coalition. I will personally see that these cases are investigated afresh, new statements recorded and witnesses called to testify,” he pledged.

“Don’t be intimidated. Don’t fear anybody, just come over and report to me. I am here with a team of senior investigators from CID headquarters in Kampala,” he said during the meeting, organised by the Anti-Corruption Coalition to address the crime rise in the district.

“I don’t believe in files getting lost. Somebody must tell us where the files are. All Police officers who are part of the crime in Apac will be transferred and disciplined,” he added.

During the meeting, MP David Ebong said the swift action by the CID would promote development in Apac.

“It is not the institution of the Police that is bad. A few individuals tarnish the image of the force. This is the beginning of us causing reform for a fundamental change,” he stated.

Tom Opwonya, the Apac Anti-Corruption Coalition coordinator, said they had registered and documented over 200 mishandled cases in the district.

“The real suspects are walking scot-free while the innocent ones are rotting in prison due to the corrupt judicial system and the Police,” he said.

Additional reporting by Patrick Jaramogi

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