Hoima District Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Christopher Aine has urged residents with corruption complaints against detained RDC Rogers Mbabazi and District Chairperson Uthuman Mugisha to report to Kitoba Police Station, saying police have opened general inquiry files to record the allegations.
Aine made the appeal during a community baraza organised by the Inspectorate of Government (IG) at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kikwite, Hoima City, where several residents came forward with allegations of corruption and abuse of office against the two leaders.
Mbabazi was arrested on Saturday during the Minister of Local Government's anti-corruption campaign in Kigorobya. He is accused of allegedly receiving money from residents in exchange for resolving land disputes but failing to deliver on his promises.
Some complainants further alleged that the RDC favoured wealthy individuals in land disputes, allowing them to take possession of land claimed by other residents.
Addressing the gathering, Aine said a police file had already been opened to facilitate investigations into the allegations against Mbabazi.
He urged anyone with relevant information or a complaint to report to Kitoba Police Station so that their concerns could be formally recorded before the case is taken to court.
“The file is already at the police station. Whoever has a complaint against him should go to Kitoba Police Station and register it before the file is taken to court,” Aine said.
During the same baraza, Hoima resident Mustafa Ahura accused District Chairperson Uthuman Mugisha of taking Shs25 million from him after allegedly promising to secure a promotion for his uncle to the position of senior procurement officer.
Ahura claimed that Mugisha failed to fulfil the promise and instead frustrated his uncle at work.
Mugisha had also been accused during the anti-corruption rally in Kigorobya. However, the minister reportedly did not order his arrest after learning that the matter was already before court.
The minister pledged to follow up on the case to ensure it was expedited.
Aine subsequently revealed that a separate police file concerning allegations against Mugisha had been opened at Kitoba Police Station. He encouraged other people with complaints against the district chairperson to come forward and have their concerns documented.
The handling of the case against Mugisha has also raised questions after the file was reportedly referred to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in Kampala.
According to the account presented, Mugisha had been summoned to appear before a court in Hoima but reportedly travelled to Kampala, after which the file was called by the DPP's office there.
The circumstances surrounding the transfer of the file have raised concerns about why a matter being handled in Hoima was referred to Kampala and why the file had not been returned.
Hoima City Central Police Station commander Hassan Sekalema confirmed that police had completed the file against Mugisha and were preparing to take the matter to court.
Sekalema said officers were surprised when the file was called to Kampala and that it had not yet been returned.
He added that police would proceed with the case once the file was returned and further guidance was received from the Kampala team.
The developments come amid renewed government efforts to tackle corruption and strengthen accountability in local governments.
Authorities have encouraged residents with evidence of corruption or other misconduct to report through the appropriate channels to support investigations and ensure that allegations are handled through the justice system.