The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Obongi District in Northern Uganda, Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, has ordered an investigation into a financial loss in which Shs65m for opening fish pond project at Ocema-Lau Village, Otubanga Parish, Ewafa Sub-county in Obongi District, was allegedly stolen.
The project under Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP) was meant to benefit at least 51 people in the area.
The intended beneficiaries complained to the office of the RDC that the project has made them poorer because they were asked to inject money in it, and yet it has never taken off.
The tip-off prompted RDC Hashaka and his deputy Denis Jawoko to monitor the project, as required by the constitution. The duo, based on primary investigations, established that the fish pond project that received funds meant for the project in 2021 only exists on paper.
As such, the office of the RDC Obongi District asked police to investigate the matter to the dot and proceed with criminal procedures if found necessary.
Plus News Uganda, has established that the area police Criminal Investigations Directorate, has already written to the District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to avail the contract awarded, the progress report and the procurement process (bid), to aid in their investigation.
We also understand that several District officers including the CPMC Chairperson, Secretary Lazaro Franko, CPC Adaku George and Hariet Munsuni the treasurer, were summoned to the OC CID Obongi today August 17.
Recently, four staff of Obongi District Local Government were arrested by police over Shs235m missing money meant for procuring a double cabin pickup, which was never purchased.
The suspects were dragged to Police under CRB 168/2023 by RDC Hashaka Samuel Mpimbaza and his Deputy RDC, Denis Jawoko who were the main complainants in the case. The suspects were charged with causing financial loss, abuse of office, conspiracy to defraud, and corruption related charges were levied.