A local government engineer from eastern Uganda who allegedly fled across the border to evade an accountability probe has been arrested in Kenya, in a development likely to resonate strongly with Ugandan citizens amid growing scrutiny of public fund management.
Uganda’s Minister for Local Government, Balaam Ateenyi, confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, stating that the engineer attached to Lwakhakha Town Council in Namisindwa District was apprehended through a coordinated security operation.
The suspect had reportedly gone into hiding ahead of an official inspection into the use of road construction funds.
“The Lwakhakha Town Council engineer, who fled to Kenya ahead of our accountability inspection, has been apprehended this morning through the joint efforts of our security agencies,” Ateenyi said.
Authorities say the engineer is under investigation for alleged mismanagement of road funds, part of a wider audit targeting local government expenditure.
The minister commended multiple agencies, including the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Internal Security Organisation (ISO), Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), the Uganda Police Force, and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), for executing the arrest.
“I commend the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, ISO, CID, Uganda Police Force, UPDF and all other security agencies for their professionalism and swift action,” he added.
Ateenyi also acknowledged the role of military leadership, led by Muhoozi Kainerugaba, in supporting the anti-corruption campaign.
“I thank all the armed forces, led by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, for their unwavering support towards this clean-up operation,” he said.
The minister revealed that more suspects linked to the same case remain at large, including the district engineer, commercial officer, and district production officer. Security agencies are actively pursuing them.
“We are still searching for the District Engineer, Commercial Officer and the District Production Officer. No one is above the law,” Ateenyi stated.
He emphasized that the crackdown is part of a broader government effort to enforce accountability in local administrations.
“The fight against corruption in local governments is on, and we remain committed to ensuring accountability and value for every taxpayer’s shilling,” he said.
The suspect is expected to be repatriated to Uganda to face charges as investigations continue.