Local leaders in Mbale District have accused the District Environmental Officer, Charles Wakubye, of misappropriating funds meant for an environmental management program.
The initiative was designed to support residents affected by the government’s directive to vacate wetlands.
In early 2025, the Ministry of Water and Environment, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), allocated UgX3 billion to Mbale District to restore degraded wetlands.
The program sought to provide alternative livelihoods for former rice growers in Bungokho Sub-county, offering support in livestock farming, horticulture, sewing, and fish farming.
However, concerns have emerged over alleged inflation of procurement costs.
Wakubye reportedly purchased 84 heifer cows and 132 goats, claiming to have imported them from Kenya. Each goat, he stated, cost UGX400,000, while each cow was priced at UGX3 million.
Residents, however, argue that the animals were young and malnourished, raising suspicions about the actual expenditure.
Community members, led by Bungokho Sub-county’s Deputy Speaker, Kasayi Ivan, also claim that the distribution process lacked transparency.
Some beneficiaries, they allege, were not genuine wetland residents, while others were closely linked to Wakubye or received more animals than others. They also pointed out that some recipients were underage.
Iddi Musamali, a resident of Nambale village, Bushikori parish, further alleged that UGX8.4 million earmarked for handling costs was embezzled.
He claimed there was no adequate training on animal care, leading to poor management, deaths, and cases of beneficiaries selling off the animals.
The Ugandan government has launched a large-scale wetland restoration drive in Eastern and Southwestern regions to protect critical ecosystems and build community resilience.
The initiative is backed by a multi-million-dollar funding package, including a $24 million grant from the Green Climate Fund, $2 million from UNDP, and $18.12 million from other sources.
The program covers several districts in Eastern Uganda, including Pallisa, Tororo, Mbale, Budaka, Butaleja, Ngora, Bukedea, Kaliro, Namutumba, and Kibuku.
However, as pressure mounts on officials in Mbale, residents and leaders are calling for greater accountability in the implementation of these projects.
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