Sub county chief in Busia arrested for embezzlement of UGX 70M

Busia, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The police in Busia district has arrested the Masafu sub-county chief for embezzling funds.

Patrick Odong is accused of embezzling 49 Million Shillings that was meant to purchase land and construct the sub-county headquarters.

The money was given to the sub-county as compensation from the Uganda National Roads Authority-UNRA for encroachment on part of the sub-county land during the construction of Musita, Lumino-Busia road.

Odong is also accused of misappropriating over 30 million shillings which was approved in the financial year 2019/2020 by the sub-county council under DDEG program. The funds were meant for road maintenance and women groups.

Mathew Taab, the LC III chairman Masafu sub-county says that when Odong failed to account for the funds, the district executive committee resolved to order for his arrest.

According to Taab, Odong also produced a fake land title claiming that he had purchased the land.

District councillors Judith Anyango and Namakicha Taab, say that Odong has avoided them several times whenever he is asked to account for the funds.

Nelson Ibembe, the officer in charge of Masafu police station says that they are recording statements from the district and sub-county leaders.

Odong is currently being detained at Masafu police station.

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