Mbale, Uganda: The Ministry of Local Government has directed the immediate interdiction of four senior officials in Mbale District to pave the way for investigations into allegations of gross negligence of duty, abuse of office, mismanagement of public resources and possible financial impropriety.
In a letter dated July 10, 2026, addressed to the Chief Administrative Officer of Mbale District, the Ministry instructed that the District Health Officer (DHO), Principal Education Officer (PEO), District Inspector of Schools (DIS), and Principal Human Resource Officer (PHRO) be interdicted with immediate effect.
The directive was issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ben Kumumanya, following a meeting convened by the Minister of Local Government in Mbale District, during which several complaints were reportedly raised against the four officials.
According to the letter, the allegations include gross negligence of duty, abuse of office, mismanagement of public resources, and possible financial impropriety, which the ministry says have greatly compromised service delivery in the district.
“Accordingly, it has been decided that the above-mentioned officials be interdicted to pave way for investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and other relevant Government agencies,” the letter states.
The Permanent Secretary further instructed the Chief Administrative Officer to implement the interdictions immediately in accordance with Section (F-s) 14 of the Public Service Standing Orders, 2021.
“The purpose of this communication is to forward to you the above instruction for your urgent action accordingly,” the letter adds.
Copies of the directive were sent to the Minister of Local Government, the Minister of State for Local Government, the Inspector General of Government (IGG), the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet, the Head of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Mbale District, and the District Chairperson.
The interdiction means the affected officials will temporarily step aside from their duties as investigations are conducted. Interdiction under Uganda’s Public Service Standing Orders is an administrative measure and does not amount to a finding of guilt.
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