Two local government officials from Ntungamo district have been charged with diverting fuel funds worth UGX 176 million. Assistant Engineer Fred Mwima and Accounts Manager Moses Twine appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court Magistrate Christopher Opit in Kampala on Thursday.
Prosecutors allege that between August and November 2021, while employed by Ntungamo district, the accused diverted fuel meant for maintaining the Kagarama-Rukarango Rwamabondo road to unrelated activities.
Mwima and Twine were charged with three offenses – diversion of public funds, false accounting, and causing financial loss. The Inspectorate of Government’s Angela Tusiime, who is supervising the prosecution alongside Rogers Kinobe, told the court the funds were misappropriated.
Tusiime informed the court that police investigations into the matter are still ongoing and requested more time. The two pled not guilty to the charges and were remanded to Luzira Prison until September 18th, when they will seek bail.
Prosecution asserts the officials presented fraudulent accountability documents despite knowing the irregularity of their actions. If convicted of diverting UGX 176 million in government fuel subsidies, the officials face stiff penalties under the Anti-Corruption Act.