Lira, Uganda — The territorial Police in Lira District, under North Kyoga Region, have arrested Mr. Kamba Ben, the Principal of Barlonyo Agro Technical Institute, on allegations of abuse of office and causing financial loss.
The arrest follows a matter raised by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Lira District during a District Security Committee (DSC) meeting. The Internal Auditor of Lira District tasked the principal to avail the books of accounts for auditing to address issues raised in the DSC meeting, but he declined.
Preliminary investigations indicate that between February 2025 and September 2026, the principal received a government grant worth over UGX 300 million to support operations at the institute, which he has failed to account for.
It is further alleged that students and teachers have on many occasions been involved in strikes over the misuse of funds by the principal, Mr. Kamba Ben.
Police in Ogur summoned him for statement recording, but he remained hesitant. In the evening of November 6, 2026, he was arrested and is currently being detained in custody at Lira District Police Station in Ogur as investigations continue.
All other necessary processes will be completed before his file is compiled and submitted to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and legal guidance.
SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, Public Relations Officer for North Kyoga Region and Acting PRO for Aswa West and Aswa East Regions, confirmed the arrest and reiterated the police's commitment to fighting corruption and ensuring accountability in the management of public funds.
