Kibaale CAO arrested for hiring out Shs600m govt bulldozer for private work

Kibaale, Uganda: The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has impounded a Kibaale District bulldozer valued at approximately Shs600 million and arrested the district’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) as part of investigations into the alleged misuse of government property.

The bulldozer, registration number LG 0028-19, was impounded during a spot-check conducted by officers from the Inspectorate of Government’s Hoima Regional Office working jointly with Hoima Central Police. The machine is currently being held at Kibaale Central Police Station.

According to the Inspectorate, preliminary investigations indicate that the district-owned bulldozer was allegedly being hired out irregularly to Karukana Enterprises Ltd for private gain.

Investigators allege that the arrangement involved Chief Administrative Officer John Katotoroma and District Engineer Chrizestom Bagire, contrary to the laws and regulations governing the management and use of government property.

“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. Investigations into the alleged misuse of Government property, contrary to Section 9(5) of the Anti-Corruption Act, Cap. 116, are still ongoing,” The Inspectorate said in a statement on Thursday morning.

“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,” it added.

The Inspectorate reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public assets and ensuring government resources are managed in accordance with the law.

In a statement, the anti-corruption agency said it remains committed to “safeguarding public assets, combating corruption, and ensuring that government resources are managed lawfully, transparently and solely for the benefit of the public.”