IG Arrests Kibaale CAO, Impounds District Bulldozer Over Misuse

What the report says

Nile Post reports that the Inspectorate of Government has arrested Kibaale District Chief Administrative Officer John Katotoroma in connection with allegations that a district-owned bulldozer was misused. The equipment, said to be valued at about Shs600 million and registered as LG 0028-19, was impounded during an operation involving the IG’s Hoima Regional Office and Hoima Central Police Station.

According to the report, the bulldozer is being kept at Kibaale Central Police Station while inquiries continue. The Inspectorate’s preliminary findings allege that the machine had been hired out irregularly to Karukana Enterprises Ltd for private benefit. Investigators are also looking into the role of district engineer Chrizestom Bagire, whom the IG says was allegedly involved in the arrangement.

Katotoroma was detained at Kibaale Central Police Station, recorded a statement and was later released on police bond, Nile Post reported. Bagire has not been arrested but has reportedly been summoned by the IG’s Hoima office to help with the investigation. The matter is being examined under provisions of the Anti-Corruption Act relating to misuse of government property.

The case matters because district equipment is procured and maintained for public service delivery, including road works and other local government functions. Nile Post notes that, if proven, the allegations would fall within wider concerns about public assets being diverted from official use. The Inspectorate says it is pursuing the matter as part of its mandate to safeguard government resources and enforce accountability.