Ngora District has become the latest focus of Uganda’s ongoing anti-corruption drive after three individuals were arraigned in court over alleged mismanagement of road construction funds.
The Anti-Corruption Unit, working in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, has charged two district officials and a private sector actor in connection with the alleged theft and conspiracy to defraud involving public resources allocated for road works.
The accused include Opio Stanslas Francis, the Acting District Engineer; Okello Samuel, Assistant Engineering Officer; and Oroni Herbert, Station Manager at Retta Solutions Uganda Ltd. The trio appeared before the Ngora Grade One Magistrates Court and were remanded until 5th May 2026.
According to investigators, the suspects—together with others still at large—are alleged to have diverted fuel worth over UGX 35 million between 2024 and March 2026. The fuel was reportedly claimed to be for road maintenance works within the district but was instead misused.
Authorities further revealed that Ngora District Local Government received UGX 1.75 billion during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years for road construction and maintenance. However, concerns had been raised by community members and stakeholders over the quality and progress of road works in the district.
Investigations indicate that fuel was frequently released without proper authorisation or documentation, allegedly in collusion between district officials and the private fuel supplier. The Acting District Engineer is also accused of failing to provide adequate supervision, which may have enabled the alleged irregularities.
The developments form part of a wider national effort by oversight institutions to strengthen accountability in the use of public funds. Authorities say similar investigations across the country have led to increased scrutiny of local government projects, particularly in road infrastructure development.
Officials have emphasised that government funds are disbursed to districts to improve service delivery and infrastructure, and have reiterated commitment to ensuring that public resources are properly accounted for and used for their intended purpose.
The case will be mentioned again on 5th May 2026 as investigations continue.
