The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has arrested three individuals, including the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Lira District Local Government and the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) of Arua District Local Government, over the alleged diversion of Shs200 million in public funds.
The suspects are Mr Ismael Ochengel, the current CAO of Lira District; Mr Roy Angumaniyo, the CFO of Arua District; and Mr Andeku Shaphan Glead Avua, a retired district planner who previously worked with Arua District Local Government.
According to the IGG, Ochengel was arrested in Lira, while Angumaniyo and Avua were apprehended in Arua.
The prosecution alleges that the three suspects, who served as CAO, CFO and district planner respectively at Arua District Local Government during the 2017/2018 financial year, diverted Shs200 million from the Discretionary Development Equalisation Grant (DDEG).
The funds were reportedly intended for the procurement of fixed assets but were allegedly used for purposes other than those for which they had been allocated.
The alleged diversion raises concerns about the management of public resources intended to support local government development programmes and improve service delivery.
The three suspects are expected to be arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, according to the announcement.
The Inspectorate of Government said it remains committed to enforcing the law against public officers suspected of misusing public funds intended for service delivery.
The suspects’ arrest follows investigations into the alleged misuse of government resources. They remain suspects, and the allegations will be tested through the judicial process.
