REBUTLE: Whistleblowers Claims On CAO Akera Lacks Aota Of Truth, And Accuracy

By RICHARD ALIONI

KOBOKO, Uganda Feb 21 [SHIFTMEDIA] Midweek, social media was awash with “unscrupulous” and what can be termed as malicious smear campaign against John Bosco Akera, the former Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), now CAO Agago.

The ‘social media post” that was authored by a “Whistle blower” listed scores of allegations ranging from abuse of office, corruption ,nepotism, awarding of tenders to Unqualified contractors, and failing to complete Koboko district hospital, and sleeping around with people’s wives.

As a senior citizen who has known John Bosco Akera, I wish to clear some of the falsehoods with my deeper understanding of the affairs in Koboko.

Alleged Non-Payment of Rent for District Apartments

The claim that Akera resided in district apartments for 32 months without paying rent is factually incorrect. The said apartments were constructed in the 2021/2022 financial year and were handed over in the first half of the 2022/2023 financial year. It is therefore impossible for him to have occupied them for the duration alleged. Those making these claims should present evidence to substantiate them.

 NUSAF issue in Nebbi

Readers should know that for record its clear that John Bosco Akera didn’t serve as a NUSAF officer in Nebbi, but as Assistant Chief Administrative Officer (ACAO), records show that he was accelerated to Deputy CAO and posted to Buyende. A corrupt person cannot be promoted, but rather demoted.

Whistleblower’s Identity and Possible Bias

Multiple staff and heads of department (HODs) at Koboko District Local Government have distanced themselves from the whistleblower’s report circulating on social media. Independent sources reveal that the letter was authored by close relatives of a top NRM lady and daughter of the soil, some of whom were interdicted due to lack of proper qualifications and corruption-related offenses. This raises questions about the objectivity and motives behind the allegations. Some councilors intimated that one councilor, Samenya who was interdicted absconded with the district motorcycle for a whole year, it took the intervention of the police to recover the motorcycle that was dilapidated. His pending payments were withheld to meet costs of repairing the bike. These are some of the issues behind Akera’s with-hunt.

Employment of Gloria Adokorach

Contrary to the claim that Akera personally recruited Gloria Adokorach, records show that she was appointed as an Enrolled Nurse on January 24, 2013—long before Akera was posted to Koboko.

 

Her appointment letter was signed by the then CAO, Mr. Makumbi Henry Harrison. Adokorach was appointed as enrolled midwife by Koboko District Local Government, however in 2014, she was sent for further studies, with records showing that she enrolled for a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Imaging and Technology at Mengo Hospital completing in 2018 (Registered under U/140300/BMI). This invalidates the claim that she was recruited under questionable circumstances or lacks proper qualifications. Upon her return, the office of Medical Superintendent wrote to the CAO to allow Adokorach Operationalize the radiology department in Koboko Hospital (see letter below) , which was granted and the role of enrolled midwife was removed from her. Since 2020, she was assigned that role as image technologist at the hospital, but earning salary of a an enrolled midwife, which the Anti Corruption Court is treadint as obtaining money by false pretense and negligence of duty

Employment of Koleta Jesca

Similarly, the claim that Akera irregularly appointed Koleta Jesca is false. She was appointed as a porter on March 13, 2018, as per a letter (REF: CR/D/156) signed by the then CAO, Canon George Adoko.

This was four years before Akera’s posting to Koboko, making it impossible for him to have orchestrated her employment.

Allegations from Omoro District

The Omoro District Council Speaker, Damascus, has dismissed allegations that Akera mismanaged funds in Omoro, calling them baseless and unfounded. There is no concrete evidence linking Akera to corruption in Omoro District, and such claims appear to be speculative.

Allegations of Nepotism

All recruitments into the district public service are conducted by the District Service Commission, not by an individual. The process follows established procedures to ensure fairness and transparency. Any suggestion that Akera personally appointed staff without due process lacks merit.

Alleged Smuggling Using a District Ambulance

The matter involving a Koboko District Hospital ambulance was thoroughly investigated. The driver was arrested, prosecuted, and fined. The case was concluded through the appropriate legal channels. Akera’s alleged interference in the matter remains unproven.

Delays in Koboko District Hospital Construction

Ministry of Health officials, including engineers overseeing the project, have confirmed that the delays in completing Koboko District Hospital were due to technical and logistical challenges—not mismanagement by Akera. Engineer Jimmy from the Ministry of Health categorically stated that the project delays were caused by supply chain and technical issues beyond the control of the former CAO.

Awarding of Contracts

All contracts awarded within the district are handled by the District Contracts Committee, not by an individual. The committee follows procurement guidelines, ensuring transparency in awarding contracts. Any claims suggesting that Akera personally influenced contract allocations should be backed with evidence.

Allegations of Personal Misconduct

The claim that Akera engaged in relationships with multiple women, including ‘religious ladies,’ is unsubstantiated and lacks evidence. Those making such accusations should provide credible proof rather than resorting to defamatory statements. Personal matters should not be used as tools for character assassination without verifiable evidence.

Akera’s Response

it is also not true that Akera is trying to shield himself from investigations along tribal lines, Akera, who is currently settling into his new posting in Agago, expressed his willingness to cooperate with any investigations.

“I am very ready for any investigations, for now I am busy in Agago and not sure what is happening in Koboko,” he stated.

Conclusion

It is imperative that discussions surrounding public service accountability be based on verifiable facts rather than politically or personally motivated allegations. The claims against John Bosco Akera, as outlined by the whistleblower, contain numerous inaccuracies and should be subjected to an impartial review.

If there are legitimate concerns, let due process take its course without resorting to misinformation. The public deserves transparency, but that must be grounded in truth, not baseless accusations.

The Ministry of Local Government and the Ministry of Public Service should also reconsider the practice of transferring officers accused of wrongdoing from one district to another without conducting thorough investigations, as this only fuels unverified accusations and public mistrust.

The author is a resident of West Nile and Researcher