The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Kibaale District, John Katotoroma, has been arrested by the Inspectorate of Government (IG) over allegations that a district bulldozer worth about Shs600 million was irregularly hired out to a private company.
The Inspectorate of Government said its Hoima Regional Office impounded the district heavy equipment following a spot-check at Kibaale District Local Government, where investigators allegedly found that the machine was being used outside the authorised government functions.
“The Inspectorate of Government has impounded a district bulldozer valued at approximately UGX 600 million following a spot-check at Kibaale District Local Government,” the anti-corruption agency said in a statement.
The bulldozer, registration number LG 0028-19, is currently being held at Kibaale Central Police Station after the operation conducted jointly by IG officers from the Hoima Regional Office and police officers from Hoima Central Police Station.
According to the IG, preliminary investigations established that the equipment was allegedly hired out to Karukana Enterprises Ltd for private benefit.
“Preliminary investigations established that the bulldozer was allegedly being irregularly hired out to Karukana Enterprises Ltd for private gain,” the Inspectorate said.
The investigation has placed the district’s top administrative officer and the District Engineer under scrutiny, with IG saying the alleged arrangement involved Mr Katotoroma and District Engineer Bagire Chrizestom.
“The Inspectorate of Government’s preliminary findings indicate that the alleged arrangement involved the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Mr. Katotoroma John, and the District Engineer, Mr. Bagire Chrizestom, contrary to the laws and regulations governing the management and use of government property,” the statement reads.
Following the impounding of the bulldozer, Katotoroma was arrested and detained at Kibaale Central Police Station, where he recorded a statement before being released on police bond.
“Following the operation, Mr. Katotoroma John was arrested and detained at Kibaale Central Police Station where he recorded a statement and was later released on police bond,” IG said.
The District Engineer has not been arrested but has been summoned to appear before investigators to assist with inquiries.
“The District Engineer, Mr. Bagire Chrizestom, is currently not in custody but has been invited by the IG Hoima Regional Office to assist with the ongoing investigations,” the agency said.
The Inspectorate said the alleged misuse of the government equipment is being investigated under Section 9(5) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Cap. 116, which provides for offences relating to misuse of public resources.
“Investigations into the alleged misuse of Government property, contrary to Section 9(5) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Cap. 116, are still ongoing,” IG stated.
The arrest comes amid renewed efforts by government accountability agencies to crack down on the misuse of public assets, including vehicles, machinery and other resources purchased using taxpayers’ money.
The Inspectorate of Government said it would continue pursuing cases involving suspected abuse of public property.
“The Inspectorate of Government reiterates its commitment to safeguarding public assets, combating corruption, and ensuring that government resources are managed lawfully, transparently and solely for the benefit of the public,” the statement added.
