The Water Engineer of Mbale District, Eng. Wandera Simon Peter, has been arrested and detained at Mbale Central Police Station over alleged mismanagement of the UGX 2.2 billion Buyobo–Bubyangu Gravity Flow Scheme.
According to the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi, the arrest is part of investigations under case reference GEF: 09/2026.
The project was funded by the Government of Uganda to provide clean and free piped water from the Elgon Mountains to rural communities in Mbale District.
However, the Minister said all connected public water taps are currently dry despite the substantial investment made to improve access to safe water in the area.
Barugahara warned contractors against undertaking substandard work, stressing that government projects must meet the required standards and deliver value to Ugandans.
“The Government projects must meet the required standards and deliver real value to Ugandans,” he said.