Four senior officials in Bulambuli District have been interdicted over allegations of gross negligence, abuse of office, mismanagement of public resources and possible financial impropriety.The interdicted officials are District Engineer Paul Walimbwa, Bulambuli Town Engineer Okiror, Bulambuli Town Council Clerk Jamal Kasaija, and Senior Medical Officer Dr. Mulongo Mohammed.
The directive was issued by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government, Ben Kumumanya, in a July 13,2026 letter addressed to the Bulambuli Chief Administrative Officer.
According to the letter, the decision followed concerns raised during a meeting convened by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Atenyi in Bulambuli District, where residents and local leaders complained about the conduct of the officials and the implementation of government projects.
Kumumanya said the allegations include gross negligence of duty, abuse of office, mismanagement of public resources and possible financial impropriety, adding that the alleged misconduct had negatively affected service delivery in the district.
He also noted that several projects inspected during the minister’s visit were below the required standards, raising concerns about possible violations of laws and regulations governing public service and the implementation of public projects.
“As you are aware, the Honourable Minister of Local Government convened a meeting in Bulambuli District and a number of issues were raised against the above officers,” Kumumanya stated.He directed the Chief Administrative Officer to interdict the officials in accordance with Section F-s(14) of the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021, to allow investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and other relevant government agencies.”
Accordingly, it has been decided that the above-mentioned officials be interdicted to pave the way for investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and other relevant government agencies,” the letter states.
The interdictions take immediate effect pending the outcome of the investigations. Bulambuli Town Council LC III Chairperson Simon Wakalaga welcomed the decision, saying residents had long raised concerns about the quality of public projects and service delivery.
“We welcome the decision because it will allow independent investigations to establish the truth. The people of Bulambuli deserve quality services and value for money in all government projects. We believe the investigations will help restore public confidence and ensure accountability where necessary,” Wakalaga said.
The Bulambuli interdictions are the latest in a series of similar actions taken since Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara Atenyi assumed office. The victims include Jonathan Wangisi, the Mbale District Health Officer; Khaukha Pade, the Mbale District Principal Education Officer and Acting DEO; Senior Inspector of Schools, Asan Walufu, and Principal Human Resources Officer, Anthony Wabomba. Relatedly, Jinja CAO Lillian Nakamatte was recalled to the headquarters after the Minister’s visit and order.
The interdictions come amid increased government efforts to strengthen accountability and curb corruption in local governments, particularly in the implementation of publicly funded infrastructure and service delivery projects.
The actions have sparked debate over whether the directives comply with the procedures for disciplining local government officers set out in the Local Government Act and the Public Service Standing Orders.
Critics argue that disciplinary action should be initiated by the relevant appointing authorities after due process, while the government maintains that interdiction is necessary to facilitate investigations into allegations of misconduct-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
