Summary:
- According to Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Katakwi District, Retired Major Godfrey Katamba, the duo was arrested on Wednesday, June 16, 2024, following the validation of workers in the district and allegations of fraud.
KATAKWI: The security team, together with the Inspector General of Government (IGG), has arrested Gabriel Okello, Secretary of the Katakwi District Service Commission, and Moses Opion, Katakwi Sub-county Assistant, over alleged office abuse.
According to Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Katakwi District, Retired Major Godfrey Katamba, the duo was arrested on Wednesday, June 16, 2024, following the validation of workers in the district and allegations of fraud.
Reports indicate that Gabriel Okello, in his capacity as Secretary of the Service Commission, promoted Simon Peter Opio, a teacher at Katakwi Primary School, to the level of deputy headteacher without the requisite diploma in education. Additionally, during his tenure as Secretary of the Service Commission, Opion allegedly recruited two unqualified individuals as porters to the local government.
Katamba added that Opio was also arrested to aid the investigation following these allegations.
Retired Major Katamba stated that investigations into the recruitment fraud in Katakwi are ongoing.
Geoffrey Omolo, the Chairperson of Katakwi District, condemned the actions and urged authorities to let the law take its course.
“As authorities in Katakwi District, we shall not allow corruption to ravage our development. We shall handle anyone connected to this fraud accordingly,” Omolo said.
The two suspects are currently detained at Katakwi Police Station, awaiting the court’s decision.
Omolo noted that while the community accuses the District Service Commission of extortion, no one has been willing to provide evidence to support these claims. However, with the IGG’s support, the district feels relieved to have addressed these culprits.
Edison Obukulem, the East Kyoga Regional Police spokesman, could not be reached for comment as all his known phone numbers were off at the time of reporting.
