By Swift Reporter
Three individuals, including two officials from Ngora District Local Government, have been remanded by the Ngora Grade One Magistrates Court over allegations of theft and conspiracy to defraud involving public funds meant for road works.
The suspects, Opio Stanslas Francis, Acting District Engineer; Okello Samuel, Assistant Engineering Officer; and Oroni Herbert, Station Manager at Retta Solutions Uganda Limited, were arraigned following a joint investigation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate Uganda and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Uganda. They have been remanded until May 5, 2026.
According to investigators, the trio, together with others still at large, allegedly conspired between 2024 and March 2026 to steal fuel valued at over UGX 35 million belonging to Ngora District Local Government. The fuel was reportedly obtained under the pretext that it would be used for road construction and maintenance within the district, which authorities say was not the case.
Investigations further revealed that Ngora District received approximately UGX 1.75 billion in the financial years 2024 to 2025 and 2025 to 2026 for road works. However, concerns were raised by community members and stakeholders over the poor state of roads, with allegations that the funds had not been properly utilized.
Prosecution alleges that Okello Samuel frequently received fuel without proper authorization or documentation and used it for unknown purposes in collaboration with Oroni Herbert. Opio Stanslas Francis is accused of neglecting his supervisory duties, thereby enabling the alleged misuse of resources.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to apprehend additional suspects and establish the full extent of the alleged fraud.
The case adds to growing concerns over the management of public funds allocated for infrastructure development. Government routinely disburses grants to districts for road rehabilitation and maintenance, but anti-corruption agencies have reported persistent cases of mismanagement, undermining service delivery and development efforts.
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