KOTIDO, May 6, 2025 – The high-profile case involving the alleged mismanagement of Emyooga funds in Kotido district has ended in acquittal, after the prosecution failed to present any witnesses or substantive evidence. This led to the dismissal of all charges against two local government officials.
On 30 April 2025, the Grade One Magistrate’s Court in Kotido cleared Daniel Achila Lowot, the Kotido Municipal Commercial Officer, and Tadeo Muria, the District Commercial Officer, of all charges related to bribery and the mismanagement of Shs 1.1 billion allocated to 32 SACCOs under the Emyooga programme. The initiative, launched in August 2019, was intended to support job creation and wealth generation among Ugandans.
The case was first brought forward in November 2024, following an internal audit and subsequent call for investigation by Kotido Resident District Commissioner, Charles Ichogor. The audit revealed that a substantial portion of the funds had not reached the intended beneficiaries. In response, Lowot and Muria were arrested, suspended from duty, and placed under legal scrutiny.
However, Magistrate Rashid Katende dismissed the case, citing a lack of evidence and failure by the prosecution to produce witnesses, which he said violated the accused’s constitutional right to a fair and timely trial.
“This case has been delayed time and again, and the state failed to act,” Magistrate Katende said in his ruling. “Justice delayed is justice denied. The court cannot proceed when the prosecution fails in its duty.”
Defence lawyer Gabriel Ogire welcomed the ruling, stating that his clients had suffered public humiliation without justification.
“This case was a baseless attack that damaged the reputations of two dedicated civil servants. Today, justice has prevailed,” Ogire said.
Following the verdict, both Lowot and Muria expressed relief and claimed the accusations were driven by personal vendettas rather than facts. Muria described the charges as “malicious” and “unfounded,” while Lowot thanked the court for restoring his name.
Impact on the community
While the two officials were cleared, the case has reignited concerns about the implementation of the Emyooga programme in Kotido district and other regions. Many local Emyooga SACCO members have expressed frustration at the lack of transparency and accountability, stating that they have yet to benefit from the funds meant to empower them economically.
“We’ve waited for these funds for years,” said Atena Nakimwene, a member of a local Emyooga SACCO. “They were supposed to change our lives, but we were left with nothing. Now we see officials go free without anyone held accountable.”
This growing public distrust has prompted calls from local leaders and civil society groups for tighter monitoring and accountability frameworks to prevent future misuse of public funds.
Reinstatement and next steps
With the case closed, attention has turned to whether Lowot and Muria will be reinstated. Under Regulation 38 [7] of the Public Service Commission Regulations, acquitted officials may be reinstated with full pay and salary arrears, provided they submit the necessary documentation, including the court judgment.
However, some local leaders remain cautious. Ruth Alot, a councillor in Kotido district, urged the government to prioritise systemic reform over individual exoneration.
“The issue isn’t just about who was cleared in court. We need stronger systems that prevent such mismanagement from happening in the first place,” Alot said.
As of now, neither the Kotido district leadership nor the Ministry of Public Service has issued a formal statement regarding the officials’ reinstatement.
The bigger picture
The Kotido case has amplified ongoing national debates about the governance of the Emyooga programme and other government-led economic initiatives. While the programme’s objectives remain commendable, this case has highlighted serious gaps in oversight and implementation.
With investigations continuing in other districts, pressure is mounting on the government to introduce more robust monitoring mechanisms and ensure that similar scandals do not undermine the credibility of public programmes designed to uplift communities.
Background
Emyooga is a presidential initiative aimed at wealth and job creation. It was launched in August 2019 as part of the broad government strategy targeting to transform 68 percent of homesteads from subsistence to market-oriented production with the overall objective of promoting job creation and improving household incomes.
The initiative is centered on various 18 categories/enterprises/Emyooga covering majority of the hitherto, financially excluded Ugandans engaged in similar specialised enterprise categories. These include the mechanics, welders, salonists, restaurant owners, boda boda riders, carpenters, and journalists among others.
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