By Eye Ug | Luuka | July 30, 2026
A district road engineer in Luuka District has been arrested over allegations of embezzling Shs169.2 million meant for the construction of the 9.4-kilometre Budhabangula–Bugabula–Naigobya road.
The suspect, Engineer Tabandikwa Twaha, was arrested by security officials led by Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Michael Kibwika following investigations into the implementation of the road project, which was funded under the 2025/2026 Financial Year.
According to information obtained by Eye Ug, the project involved bush clearing, swamp raising, road opening and shaping, compaction, gravelling, and the installation of culverts with headwalls.
The road project was officially launched in March 2026 and was expected to be completed by May 2026. However, preliminary investigations reportedly established that several key components of the project, including swamp raising, gravelling, culvert installation and construction of headwalls, were either not undertaken or remained incomplete despite the full release of funds.
The arrest followed a letter dated July 24, 2026, in which RDC Michael Kibwika directed the Officer in Charge of Investigations at Luuka Central Police Station to investigate the alleged mismanagement of the road project.
Upon completion of the preliminary inquiries, police arrested Engineer Twaha on allegations of misappropriating public funds intended for the road works.
Police confirmed that the suspect is currently being held at Luuka Central Police Station (CPS) as investigations continue.
In a dramatic turn of events, Engineer Twaha’s family members, led by his mother and sister, rushed to the RDC’s office seeking his release on police bond.
RDC Kibwika, accompanied by members of the district security team, led the family to inspect the disputed road project. During the visit, the relatives reportedly acknowledged that the works contracted to the engineer had not been completed.
The family appealed to the RDC to grant Twaha an additional two weeks to complete the project. However, Kibwika rejected the request, saying the contractual completion period had already expired.
“The deadline for this project expired in May. Twaha failed to complete the work despite receiving the funds. At this stage, the matter is being handled in accordance with the law, and due process must take its course,” Kibwika said.
The RDC reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring accountability in the use of public resources, warning that officials entrusted with public funds would be held responsible for any misuse.
Engineer Twaha remains in police custody as detectives continue gathering evidence. Authorities say he will be arraigned before court once investigations are concluded.
The arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies and government authorities to strengthen accountability and combat corruption in the implementation of public infrastructure projects across the country.
