Projects money diverted to clear swindled funds
Some of the delayed projects include, road maintenance, inspections of schools, monitoring of government activities, and construction of teacher’s houses, health centers and repairing of vehicles
ABIM: Abim District leaders have diverted money amounting to Shs2 billion meant to fund government projects to clear part of UNICEF funds that were allegedly swindled, Daily Monitor has learnt.
Sources who preferred anonymity in order to speak freely told Daily Monitor that since the beginning of this financial year, no activity has been implemented in the district.
Mr Nelson Olwit, the acting deputy Chief Administrative Officer of Abim, who doubles as a district information officer, confirmed that most district projects have since stalled as a result of paying debts.
He said the district has a huge debt to pay arising from court cases and mismanaged donor funds.
“We are not doing well at the moment because of this situation and we are appealing for help,” he said.
Mr Debekas Omara, the district speaker, said they have engaged ministry of Local Government officials, including the permanent secretary, for their intervention but have not been assisted.
Ms Joyce Nakia, the councillor representing Lotuke and Awac Sub-county, who also doubles as chairperson Finance Committee said the corruption in Abim was a big shame.
He claimed there could be connivance in the swindling of funds between some corrupt officials at the district and those of the ministry of Local Government.
According to Ms Nakia, the council is finalising a motion on service delivery that will be documented and handed to President Museveni.
Mr Hasaka Mpimbaza, the Abim Resident District Commissioner, also confirmed that 87 per cent of government funded projects in the district have remained incomplete.
“It’s so annoying that the local person surfers at the expense of the corrupt officials in the district,’’ he said.
He said his office has also written a series of letters to the relevant authorities with evidence but no action has been taken.
In July this year, the United Nations Children’s Fund suspended all funding to Abim district following its failure to account for Shs2billion.
Affected projects
Some of the delayed projects include, road maintenance, inspections of schools, monitoring of government activities, and construction of teacher’s houses, health centers and repairing of vehicles.
Field work activities have also been paralysed since the district lacks enough fuel to transport officials from Abim town council to the district headquarters of Abuku. A distance of about 15 kilometres away.
