Bulambuli Engineer, Health Officer Kicked Behind Bars For Swindling Millions

By Swift Reporter

The Anti-Corruption Court has remanded two senior Bulambuli District officials on charges of abuse of office, causing financial loss, and neglect of duty following investigations into the alleged misuse of public funds.

The accused, Eng. Walimbwa Paul, the Bulambuli District Engineer, and Dr. Mulongo Muhamed Richard, the District Health Officer, were arraigned by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit working jointly with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

The duo was remanded until August 3, 2026, as investigations and prosecution continue.

According to investigators, Eng. Walimbwa is accused of abusing his office during the 2021/2022 financial year by allegedly directing the supply of door frames and window casements in quantities exceeding those authorised for the construction of the Bulambuli District Administration Block.

Prosecutors allege that he bypassed the required procurement procedures and failed to obtain the necessary approvals, resulting in a government financial loss of more than UGX 20 million.

The district engineer is also facing a separate investigation over the alleged misappropriation of a UGX 1 billion road project in Bulambuli District.

Preliminary findings by the Ministry of Works and Transport’s Mbale Regional Materials Laboratory reportedly indicate that garden soil was used on the Kimulu–Tunyi Road instead of the approved gravel and murram. Investigations into the matter are still ongoing.

Meanwhile, Dr. Mulongo has been charged with abuse of office, causing financial loss, and negligence after allegedly overseeing the construction of a pit latrine at Muyembe Health Centre IV in violation of approved standards and procedures during the 2021/2022 financial year.

Investigators allege that despite requisitioning UGX 7 million for the project, the facility was constructed below the required standards and has never become operational, leading to the loss of public funds intended to improve healthcare service delivery.

The arrests are part of the ongoing nationwide #ExposeTheCorrupt anti-corruption campaign spearheaded by the Minister of Local Government, Balaam Barugahara, aimed at exposing and holding accountable corrupt officials in local governments.

The campaign, which began in Eastern Uganda, seeks to strengthen accountability and ensure prudent management of public resources across the country.