Bulambuli CAO detained for alleged abuse of office

Bulambuli, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Bulambuli Chief Administrative Officer, Leonard Tumusime, is in police custody over corruption and abuse of office-related charges.

The Resident District Commissioner, Stanley Bayoole ordered Tumusime’s arrest on Thursday morning. He is accused of abuse of office, embezzlement of public funds, and corruption.

According to Bayoole, police invited the CAO to make a statement but he was very adamant, which compelled him to order his arrest.

“We called him to make a statement at police and he refused. I decided to order for his arrest and force him to make a statement on the allegations,” he said.

He said that they have charged Tumusime with abuse of office, corruption, and embezzlement of public funds.  Tumusime’s arrest follows the visit by the State Minister of Economic Monitoring, Peter Ogwang in the district last month.

During the meeting, Ogwang complained about how district officials have mismanaged public funds in the implementation of government projects. The minister discovered that the district had reported that they had constructed a non-existent toilet at Shillings 30 million.

The district also indicated that they renovated a health center IV at Shillings 70 million despite roofing it with old iron sheets. Ogwang tasked the police to investigate all cases of corruption in the district and ensure that the culprits are apprehended.

He observed that there was no value for money in all the overly priced projects implemented by the district. Gerald Nangoli, the Elgon North County member of parliament told journalists during the minister’s visit that there is a need for a forensic audit of all projects implemented in the district.

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