LIRA: CAO Ochengel Ismail Arrested by IGG
IGG Nabs Ochengel Over Shs 200m Arua Diversion
BY OKIDI PATRICK OCAMOYITDYEL
LIRA — The long arm of the law has finally caught up with Lira District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Ismael Ochengel.
Ochengel, a man whose name has for years popped up in audit queries and financial indiscipline scandals, was on Tuesday morning arrested from his Lira office by a team from the Inspectorate of Government (IG).
The arrest is linked to a Shs 200 million corruption case in Arua District, where Ochengel previously served as CAO.
According to sources at the IGG, the Shs 200m was earmarked for the procurement of fixed assets for Arua District Local Government but was allegedly diverted.
Two Others Netted
The IGG confirmed that two more officers have been arrested over the same deal:
Mr Roy Angumaniyo, the Chief Finance Officer, Arua District and Mr Andeku Shaphan Glead Avua, a retired District Planner.
While Ochengel was picked from Lira District, Angumaniyo and Avua were arrested from Arua in a coordinated operation.
History of Queries on Ochengel
Ochengel is no stranger to controversy. In 2022, while serving in Abim, he was brought to the limelight by then RDC, Mr Hasaka Mpimbaza, who accused him of causing financial loss to government.
Contacted for comment, Koboko RDC, Mr Hasaka Mpimbaza, told TAYARI NEWS UGANDA on phone that he can testify about Ochengel’s conduct.
“Some accounting officers who are mafias in corruption should be traced from their former work stations,” Hasaka said.
Court Date Set
The three are expected to be arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, on charges of diversion of public funds and abuse of office.
The Inspectorate of Government says it remains committed to cracking the whip on public officers who misuse resources meant for service delivery.
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