The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) has arrested three individuals in connection with a ghost fish pond project worth over UGX 50 million in Odonga East Village, Aliba Sub-County, Obongi District.
The suspects, now in custody at Obongi Central Police Station (CPS), are accused of mismanaging funds allocated for the project.
The individuals arrested include:
Mogaa Yasini – Chairperson of the Procurement Committee for the Odonga Fish Pond Project. He also serves as the NRM Mobilizer in Obongi District.
Atiku Ratinni – Treasurer of the fish pond project and the NRM Chairperson for Odonga East Village.
Abdul Maliki Islam – Chairperson of the Project Management Committee and Local Council I (LCI) Chairperson for Mbaale Village in Odonga Parish, Aliba Sub-County.
Sources indicate that the trio allegedly embezzled the project funds in collaboration with local government officials in Obongi District.
The Odonga East Fish Pond Ghost Project is just one of over 10 ghost fish pond projects under the DRDIP projects, where over half a billion shillings was embezzled in 2023 across Obongi District.
The revelations point to a widespread network of corruption within local government structures, with multiple projects initiated on paper but never implemented on the ground.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Obongi, Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, along with the local community, has requested the Inspectorate of Government to investigate the rampant corruption surrounding the DRDIP projects.
Approximately UGX 50 billion was allocated to Obongi District for the program, but concerns of embezzlement and mismanagement have raised alarms across the region.
KEY TO NOTE:
Following the ongoing investigations, the Acting District Engineer, Onapaa Ivani, and the Senior Labour Officer, who also served as the desk officer for DRDIP, have been investigated, arrested, and charged.
Both have been taken to the Anti-Corruption Court, imprisoned, and subsequently interdicted.
Additionally, Mr. Fisher, the Director of Maci Business World and one of the contractors under the DRDIP, was also arrested, taken to the Anti-Corruption Court, and imprisoned at Luzira Prison due to corruption linked to the project.
The IGG’s operation is ongoing, with more arrests expected. Two additional officials have already been detained:
Ronggumu Tairi – Acting District Forest Officer for Obongi, accused of taking 5% of the UGX 50 million for tree planting but failing to deliver the trees.
Fadiri Ibrahimu Rashid – Acting Sub-County Chief of Aliba Sub-County, now under investigation.
Both officials are currently recording statements at Obongi CPS.
According to insider reports, several department heads, including the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), are also under scrutiny, with potential arrests looming.
This raid is part of a broader anti-corruption campaign targeting fraudulent public projects in the West Nile region.
The IGG has intensified efforts to crack down on graft, with sources indicating that Moyo District is also under investigation.
The public awaits further developments as authorities continue their probe into the misuse of government funds.
DailyWestNile.info will provide timely updates as this story unfolds.Stay tuned for more details!
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