In a significant crackdown on corruption and theft of public resources, Bududa District Police have arrested Anthony M. Koyola, a laboratory assistant attached to Bufuma Health Centre III, for allegedly stealing medicines and medical supplies worth 15 million Uganda shillings. The arrest was confirmed by Bududa District Police Commander, Hassan Musooba, on Wednesday.
Koyola, who was employed at the health center located in Bufuma Sub-county, is accused of pilfering essential medicines and medical supplies from the facility’s stores. The stolen items, critical for the delivery of healthcare services, were reportedly intended to benefit the local community.
According to Commander Musooba, Koyola’s case file has been sanctioned, and he is facing three serious charges: causing financial loss to the government, abuse of office, and theft of medicines and medical supplies. The suspect is expected to be arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala, where he will face prosecution.
Patrick Nabutanyo, Bududa District’s acting public relations officer, revealed that a team from the State House Health Unit is actively investigating the matter. Koyola is set to be transferred to Kampala on Thursday for further legal proceedings.
Nabutanyo issued a stern warning to civil servants, emphasizing that the government will not tolerate the theft of public funds or resources. “Those who engage in such acts will be arrested and prosecuted. We are committed to ensuring accountability and transparency in the use of government resources,” he stated.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of corruption and mismanagement of public resources in the region. Earlier this year, two Bududa officials, Wakoko Kassim and Nakhaima Francis, were arraigned in court for mishandling funds allocated under the Parish Development Model, a government initiative aimed at improving livelihoods at the grassroots level.
The arrest of Koyola underscores the government’s renewed efforts to combat corruption and hold individuals accountable for misusing public resources. As the case proceeds, residents of Bududa District hope that such actions will deter future misconduct and ensure that essential services, such as healthcare, remain accessible to those in need.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving the misuse of government resources. The fight against corruption, they say, requires collective effort and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.
