District Production Officer Dr Deogracious Begumisa has been detained for questioning over Shs1.18 billion in departmental funds whose expenditure he reportedly failed to explain during a government review.
Police in Rwampara District have detained District Production Officer Deogracious Begumisa over queries concerning the accountability of Shs1.18 billion allocated to his department during the 2025/2026 financial year.
Dr Begumisa was handed over to law enforcement following a review meeting chaired by Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara on Tuesday, during which district political and administrative leaders were questioned about the use of public funds.
According to departmental audit summaries presented at the meeting, the funds under scrutiny comprised Shs538 million in conditional wage grants, Shs217 million in unconditional grants, Shs146 million for agricultural extension wages, Shs231 million in development revenue and Shs5 million in locally raised revenue.
During the meeting, local leaders and ministry auditors raised concerns about discrepancies between funds disbursed to the production department and the reported deliverables.
“We cannot allow public resources meant to transform rural livelihoods to disappear without clear documentation. Public officials must be held accountable for every shilling entrusted to them. Where is the production officer?” Balaam said.
When asked to provide expenditure breakdowns and evidence of how the funds had been used, Begumisa reportedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations and documentation.
“Give us a breakdown of how you have spent government money and if you fail, DPC and anti-corruption unit we take this man,” Balaam added.
Begumisa was escorted to Rwampara District Police Headquarters, where Criminal Investigations Department (CID) detectives began recording statements and reviewing audit records.
Authorities said he would remain in custody as investigators establish whether the accountability queries point to criminal diversion of funds, neglect of duty or financial misappropriation.
The allegations have not been proven, and the investigations are expected to establish how the funds were spent and whether any offences were committed.
District leaders said routine agricultural extension and production services would continue under interim oversight as investigations proceed.