Local Government Leaders Warned Over Misuse of Government-Procured Vehicles
Local Government Leaders Warned Over Misuse of Government-Procured Vehicles.
By Atek Jolly Piloya
KAMPALA, UGANDA – December 22, 2025: In a strongly worded directive issued on December 12, 2025, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Local Government, Mr. Ben Kumamanya, has ordered urgent investigations into the alleged misuse of government-procured vehicles by several district political leaders across Uganda.
The circular, addressed to all Local Council V (LCV) District Chairpersons, Mayors of Cities and Municipalities, and Division Mayors, empowers key accountability officers—including Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), Resident City Commissioners (RCCs), Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs), Regional Police commanders (RPCs), District Police Commanders (DPCs), and Town Clerks (TCs)—to immediately investigate and report on confirmed or suspected violations.
The move follows disturbing reports that some political leaders have flouted guidelines governing the use of vehicles distributed by the Ministry on October 31, 2025, at Kololo Independence Grounds.
“This is a total breach of established laws, rules, and regulations, as well as the official guidelines under which these vehicles were entrusted to local governments,” Kumamanya emphasized in the letter.
He underscored that “no one is above the law,” citing Article 164(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Uganda, which holds political officeholders personally liable for any loss arising from the unauthorized use of public funds or assets. The article states: “Any person holding political or public office who directs or concurs in the use of public funds contrary to the existing instruction shall be accountable for any loss arising from that use and shall be required to make good the loss even if he or she ceases to hold that office.”l
Kumamanya further warned: “Accordingly, we are going to investigate the reported vehicle accidents. Should it be found that the vehicles were being used in breach of any of the above provisions, we shall invoke Article 164(2), and the law will take its course.”
Accidents and Alleged Misuse Reported in Several Districts
Pader District has emerged as one of the focal points of concern after its District Chairman Rtd.Col.Fearless Obwoya was involved in a serious accident last week. The incident occurred at Corner Polcani in Lamiyo Sub-County, Agago district while the chairman was personally driving the ministry-procured vehicle en route to Agago.
Similarly, Kaliro and Pakwach districts have reported accidents involving the newly acquired vehicles, raising red flags over possible misuse and violation of driving protocols meant for official government transport.
Even more troubling are allegations that the Obongi District Chairperson has been using the government-issued vehicle for political campaign purposes—a direct contravention of the non-partisan use policy for such assets.
Despite repeated attempts by this publication to reach the Obongi LCV Chairman for comment, the calls went unanswered, and no official statement has been issued by him to confirm or deny the allegations.
Growing Call for Accountability
The directive has sparked debate across the country with residents of the affected District urging swift and transparent action. “Public vehicles are meant to serve communities, not private or polii all interest says former MP Aruu County Dr.Samuel Otto Odonga of Pader District. “Any abuse of these assets undermines public trust and should be met with strict legal consequences.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Local Government has confirmed that investigation in the affected districts are already ongoing. Findings from these probes will inform disciplinary actions, potential recovery of financial losses, and, where necessary, prosecution.
Officials stressed that the directive is not intended to punish but to safeguard public resources and uphold the integrity of local governance.
As the investigations unfold, all eyes are on Pader, Kaliro, Pakwach, and Obongi—where the misuse of state property may soon come at a significant personal and political cost.
