KABALE, Uganda — Police in Kabale District have arrested three senior district officials over alleged irregularities surrounding the distribution of cattle under a Green Climate Fund project intended to benefit communities relocated from protected wetlands.
The officials arrested are Elly Niwamanya, the District Inventory Officer; Beda Mwebesa, the District Production Officer; and Dr. Kamaradi Masembe, the Principal Inspector of Local Government in charge of districts.
The District Internal Auditor, Naviri Denes, is reportedly on the run as police continue investigations into the alleged disappearance of the livestock.
The arrests follow an audit that reportedly uncovered discrepancies in the procurement, receipt and distribution of cattle meant for beneficiaries of the project.
According to Deputy Resident District Commissioner Michael Muramira Kyakashari, the district was expected to receive 399 cattle, but only 297 animals were physically delivered, leaving a shortfall of 102 cattle.
However, records reportedly indicated that all 399 cattle had been received, raising questions over the whereabouts of the missing animals and how they were accounted for.
The cattle were intended for communities that had vacated protected wetlands as part of efforts to support affected households and promote alternative livelihoods under the Green Climate Fund initiative.
The three arrested officials are being questioned by police as investigations continue to establish how the 102 cattle went missing and whether any officials were involved in the alleged irregularities.
Police have not yet disclosed the specific charges against the suspects, and the investigation remains ongoing.
