Alebtong LC5 Odongo speaks out on arrest of DHO Dr Odung

Clarification on Matters Concerning the Alebtong District Health Officer;

We wish to address the public regarding the remand of the Alebtong District Health Officer, Dr. Odung Tonny, by the State House Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala.

First and foremost, we respect the work of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the proceedings before the Anti-Corruption Court. However, it is important to clarify the facts surrounding the matter to avoid misinformation and politically motivated distortions circulating on social media.

The incident in question relates to the Financial Year 2019/2020, which was prior to the current district leadership’s term of office. During that period, Otada Co. Ltd was awarded a contract by the central government to construct Awei Health Centre and Angetta Health Centre. The company received advance payment to commence the works.
Unfortunately, Otada Co. Ltd abandoned the construction sites without clear justification after receiving the advance funds. This pattern of conduct is not unique to Alebtong District, as the same contractor reportedly exhibited similar behavior in Amolatar District.

When the current leadership assumed office in 2021, the District Executive Committee (DEC) reviewed the matter and resolved that a new contractor be procured to complete the works using the balance that remained on the project account. Following due process, Wangi Co. Ltd was awarded the contract, and we are pleased to inform the public that the construction of Awei and Angetta Health Centres was successfully completed using the remaining funds and the building materials abandon on site.

“The current leadership acted responsibly and transparently to ensure that public funds were safeguarded and that the intended health facilities were completed for the benefit of our people,” .

The allegations and assumption being muted against the current district leadership in the social media are therefore baseless and misleading.

If responsibility is to be apportioned, it should be directed to the leadership and District Council that were in office during the Financial Year 2019/2020 when the original contract was awarded and advance payment made.

Furthermore, I call upon the Anti-Corruption Court to avoid any perception of selective justice. Otada Co. Ltd is a registered government contractor that received public funds and unlawfully abandoned the project. The proprietor and responsible officers of the company must equally be held accountable.
“Accountability must be comprehensive and impartial. Justice should not only focus on public officials but also on private entities that receive public funds and fail to deliver services to the people.”
We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and service delivery to the people of Alebtong District.

We urge the public to remain calm and allow the judicial process to take its course.
Issued by:

Odongo DK

District CP
Alebtong District Local Government.