Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, Kole North Member of Parliament, and Peter Ocen Akalo, Kole South MP, have both called for Soita Wamburu, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), to be transferred immediately.
The MPs have requested an urgent meeting with the Ministers of Works and Local Government to discuss the district’s deteriorating road network and alleged mismanagement of road funds.
Their demands stem from the CAO’s repeated failure to attend District Roads Committee meetings, including one scheduled for February 14, 2025, chaired by Dr. Opio. The Acting District Engineer also did not attend, further stalling critical discussions on the accountability of shs1 billion allocated for road works in the fiscal year 2023/24, as well as plans for the current fiscal year.
Dr. Opio expressed frustration over the CAO’s absence, stating, “I sent an invite to the CAO and the District Engineer, but they neither attended nor sent apologies or representatives. We have roads meant for FY 22/23 and FY 23/24 that are yet to be completed, yet we are approaching the end of the third quarter.”
He revealed that he has received petitions from over 1,000 residents regarding four key roads—Ngetta-Alito, Barpii-Anekapiri, Aboke Ginnery-Opeta, and Alyat-Aweingwec-Ocokcan—that are still impassable despite available funds.
“We are wondering if the money is still there or has been diverted,” MP Dr. Opio added.
The MPs allege that the CAO and District Engineer’s absenteeism began after the discovery of over shs200 million unaccounted for in road project Bills of Quantities (BOQs), with inflated and ghost accountabilities reported last year.
Recent investigations by the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) ordered the Acting District Engineer, Emmanuel Okello, to refund shs43 million, while another engineer, Julius Ojot, was ordered to refund shs5 million for unaccounted quarry materials.
The District Council also recommended that no additional funds be advanced to the District Engineer until he returns more than shs31 million in unaccounted road funds. Parliament also flagged shs62 million in its November 2022 audit report, directing Emmanuel Okello to refund the money.
MP Ocen stated that no road works have begun for the fiscal year 2024/25, despite shs750 million sitting idle in the district account. “Roads are in an impassable state, and the works done so far are shoddy and incomplete,” he said. “It is clear we don’t have a CAO who is interested in service delivery.”
Ocen also revealed that over shs1 billion allocated for development projects in health, education, and borehole drilling has stalled due to deliberate delays in contract awarding, jeopardizing the funds’ return to the consolidated fund.
Richard Ojok, representing LC3 chairpersons and mayors, reported that shs82 million allocated for a road project in Kole Town Council had vanished, prompting police intervention.
“The CAO failed to assist, but the police ensured work began. They have committed to completing the project by 28th February 2025,” Ojok stated.
MPs and local leaders are demanding that the CAO be transferred immediately due to negligence, incompetence, and sabotage of government programs.
Additional demands include withholding additional funds from the Acting District Engineer until all unaccounted funds are refunded, providing a clear work plan and equipment schedule, ensuring community participation in road projects, and implementing fuel monitoring mechanisms for equipment usage.
They also requested assistance from the Ministry of Works, such as road equipment or waivers for hiring machinery, in order to expedite delayed projects.
The MPs emphasized that the CAO was previously transferred from Lira City due to similar allegations, and it is unfair for Kole District to bear the brunt of his incompetence.
As the district grapples with impassable roads and alleged mismanagement of funds, residents and leaders await urgent intervention from the central government to restore accountability and service delivery for the people.
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