KAMPALA, UGANDA – Dr. Odung Tony, the District Health Officer of Alebtong District Local Government, has been remanded to prison until March 2026 following his arraignment on charges of causing financial loss to the government. The loss, amounting to UGX 165,520,800, is linked to irregular payments made to a contractor who later abandoned critical health centre projects.
Dr. Odung was presented this afternoon before Grade One Magistrate Her Worship Esther Asimwe at the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala. He faces charges alongside two other senior district officials who are currently evading arrest: the former Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Otim Ben Ogwette,and the Chief Finance Officer (CFO), Andeoye Stephen.
The joint investigation and subsequent arrest were carried out by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
During the court session, State Attorney Agaba Abigail informed the magistrate that investigations into the matter had been concluded. She requested an adjournment to allow for the consolidation of the case against all three accused persons.
In response to the prosecution's submission, Her Worship Esther Asimwe ordered that Dr. Odung be remanded in custody.
“He is scheduled to return to court on 5th March 2026, for the hearing of his bail application.”
Concurrently, the Magistrate issued criminal summons against the two fugitives, Otim Ben Ogwette and Andeoye Stephen. They have been directed to appear in court on the same date—5th March 2026—to take plea.
The charges stem from events in the Financial Year 2019/2020. Prosecutors allege that Dr. Odung, together with the former CAO and CFO, conspired to approve an irregular payment of UGX 165,520,800 to Otada Construction Ltd.
The payment was intended for the upgrade of Angweta Health Centre II and Angwei Health Centre II to Health Centre IIIs. However, the transaction was processed without securing an advance payment guarantee—a standard financial safeguard required to protect government funds.
Following the release of funds, Otada Construction Ltd reportedly abandoned the project, leaving the health centre upgrades incomplete. This abandonment, coupled with the lack of a guarantee to recover the funds, resulted in a total loss to the government.
The case against the three officials will proceed on 5th March 2026. On this date, the court is expected to hear Dr. Odung's bail application, while Otim Ben Ogwette and Andeoye Stephen are expected to present themselves to take plea. If the former CAO and CFO fail to appear, the court may issue arrest warrants.
