NORTHERN Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) – The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has arrested the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Lira District and the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) of Arua District over the alleged diversion of Shs 200 million in government funds.
The suspects are Ismael Ochengel, the CAO of Lira District Local Government; Roy Angumaniyo, the CFO of Arua District Local Government; and Andeku Shaphan Glead Avua, a retired district planner who previously worked with Arua District Local Government.
According to the Inspectorate of Government, Ochengel was arrested in Lira, while Angumaniyo and Avua were arrested in Arua.
Prosecution alleges that the three diverted Shs 200 million in Discretionary Development Equalisation Grant (DDEG) funds during the 2017/2018 financial year.
The money was intended for the procurement of fixed assets in Arua District but was allegedly used for purposes unrelated to the original allocation.
At the time of the alleged offence, Ochengel was serving as CAO of Arua District, Angumaniyo as Chief Finance Officer, and Avua as district planner.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, to face charges related to the alleged diversion of public funds and abuse of office.
The Inspectorate of Government has reiterated its commitment to enforcing the law against public officers suspected of misusing government resources meant for service delivery.
