Former Mbarara City Town Clerk Remanded Over Abuse of Office

What the report says

Former Mbarara City Town Clerk Assy Abirebe Tumwesigire has been remanded to prison after appearing before Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Court on charges of abuse of office, according to Nile Post. The case centers on a disputed licence agreement involving space at Mbarara Central Market.

Nile Post reported that investigators from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit worked with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions before Tumwesigire was arraigned. Prosecutors allege that in October 2022, while serving under the Ministry of Local Government, he and other suspects still at large acted in a way that was prejudicial to the interests of their employer.

The prosecution says Tumwesigire, who was posted to Mbarara City as town clerk, entered into an agreement on behalf of the city with ATC Uganda Limited. The deal reportedly allowed the company to use rooftop and ground space at the market for antennas, equipment, generator space, poles, cable trays and related infrastructure. Investigators allege the arrangement was made without following the required procedures and laws.

The court ordered Tumwesigire to remain on remand until September 16, 2026. The case matters because it involves the handling of public property and the authority of local government officials in major commercial infrastructure. Background on anti-corruption enforcement in Uganda suggests such cases are typically pursued where officials are accused of bypassing procurement or administrative rules, but the reported facts here are limited to the charges and remand order.