Joachim Andiandu, the Arua District Environmental officer, and Owen Onzima, the Ajia sub-county community facilitator are on remand on allegations of mismanaging 20 million Shillings intended for a community project under the Development Response to Displacement Impact Project (DRDIP). The two appeared before the Arua Chief Magistrates Court on Friday.
The court heard that on December 27, 2023, the accused individuals conspired to withdraw 41 million Shillings earmarked for the Obamas village Savings Group Tree planting project under DRDIP in Ajia sub-county. However, only 21 million Shillings was reportedly disbursed to the group members.
Andiandu and Onzima pleaded not guilty to the charges of theft. The prosecution, led by Thomas Ginyera, requested an adjournment, stating that the matter is still under investigation and an amendment in the charge sheet may be needed to determine the appropriate court for trial.
“Inquiries are still ongoing. One Angumale Simon, the senior state attorney, told me to inform the court that there is a need to establish whether this is a matter of theft or a matter to be tried by the Anti-corruption court,” he said.
Defense lawyer Michael Ezadri Onyafia objected to the adjournment, arguing that it should occur after completing the preliminary stages of the case. He further requested court bail for the accused, emphasizing that they had been in police custody for five days.
“Your worship going also to the fact that he has been incarcerated since from Monday this week to 5:15 pm this Friday. He has been in custody of the police who were under obligation to produce him within 48 hours,” he said. In his ruling, Arua Chief Magistrate Paul Matyama granted a short adjournment until January 24, 2024, for the State to make its decision.
Matyama stated, “I have considered the submissions of the State on behalf of the Senior Resident State Attorney. Given the time requested for the adjournment, I believe that a short adjournment allowing the State to consider its decision would not be fatal based on the reasoning above. I have therefore decided to grant the short adjournment to January 24, 2024.” The accused individuals were remanded until their next court appearance.
URN.