KOBOKO WOES: Allegations of Bias in State House Anti-Corruption Investigations
By Our Reporter
ARUA, UGANDA, Jan 16 [SHIFT MEDIA NEWS] Norman Galla Abason, the interdicted Koboko District Agricultural Officer, finds himself at the center of a police investigation after revelations of an elaborate scheme that allowed him to earn a salary for 11 months despite having absconded from duty. Galla was apprehended by police in Koboko on Wednesday night, marking a significant turn in a case that has raised serious questions about accountability and governance within the district’s administration.
The Case at Hand
Galla’s arrest follows allegations that he continued to draw a government salary while pursuing studies in the United Kingdom, a clear violation of public service regulations. According to the Arua Region Deputy CID Chief, the case began to unravel after police received a tip-off from two other interdicted officers within the Koboko District Administration. These officers, themselves under investigation, admitted to having facilitated payments to Galla despite knowing that he was absent from duty. “Galla was arrested yesterday evening in Koboko. He was later transferred to the region in Arua where he spent a night. We have plans of transferring him to Kampala for further prosecution, said the Deputy CID Officer Arua Region.
Apparently, we have established Galla put himself off the hook when he posted in KOJUSA Watsup forum; “Relax, I ‘m smiling as I read through comments. I knew a bigger tree will fall on this one day since he was has been falling on me like a god.” Galla was referring to the apparent transfer of Koboko CAO, John Bosco Akera to Agago district.
The police have since opened a case file, designated as GEF45, and are working to piece together how the scheme was orchestrated and sustained for over two years. Investigators believe that Galla’s absence was deliberately concealed through falsified records, enabling him to remain on the payroll undetected for an extended period. According to prior financial audits carried by the Auditor General’s office, over shs 92 million was lost by the District. The Inspectorate of Government (IGG) instructed the district to recover these monies. So far over shs20m has been recovered. This comes amidst wild allegations that a top National Resistance Movement official, a one Hajjat Medina, a daughter of the soil had been shielding Galla Norman, indicating that his interdiction was persecution by the CAO who hails from Zombo.
READ ALSO https://www.shiftmedianews.com/storm-alur-elders-rally-behind-akera-amid-tribal-sentiments-allegations/ In our earlier publications, we reported how the Alur elders had petitioned H.E the president regarding the intimidation by Hajjat Medina, the Director Finance at the NRM Secretariat towards their son John Bosco Akera as an aspect of tribal issue. Medina was accusing Akera who was addressing corruption issues in Koboko of trying to remove “sons of the soil”, the Kakwa’s, and replace them with his tribes-mate from Zombo.
We have reports that Medina is being investigated for this alleged threats, and intimidation towards Akera.
Unveiling the Scheme
The Chief Administrative Officer Koboko, John Bosco Akera revealed that Galla’s absence coincided with his enrollment for further education at Makerere University. While public servants are permitted to take study leave under certain conditions, such leave requires formal approval and adherence to specific protocols. In Galla’s case, however, no such permissions were granted, and his extended absence was never officially sanctioned.
The two interdicted officers, Ismael Mabe, the Senior Human Resource Officer, and Dr Onzima Stephen, the Head, Production Department allegedly played key roles in facilitating the fraudulent payments. Police suspect that these individuals manipulated payroll systems and administrative records to ensure Galla’s continued receipt of salary despite his absence.
Galla, according to Akera had been granted a 24-month study leave to pursue a Master’s degree in Animal Science but failed to return to duty as scheduled in 2019. There are no official records confirming that Galla, an animal nutritionist was actively engaged in studies during his leave, and he was reportedly residing in Bramley in the United Kingdom, until his recent return.
Implications for Governance
The case has sparked outrage among residents of Koboko District, many of whom view it as a reflection of broader issues of corruption and mismanagement within local government. Critics argue that Galla’s ability to evade detection for such a prolonged period points to systemic weaknesses in oversight mechanisms.
“This is not just about one individual; it’s about a culture of impunity that allows such practices to thrive,” said a top councilor who spoke on condition of anonymity. “How many other cases like this might be happening that we don’t know about?”
The arrest has also drawn the attention of anti-corruption watchdogs, who have called for a thorough audit of the district’s payroll and administrative processes. Such an audit, they argue, is essential not only to uncover other potential irregularities but also to restore public confidence in the integrity of local government institutions.
The Legal Path Forward
As investigations continue, Galla faces multiple charges, including fraud, abuse of office, and obtaining money by false pretenses. If convicted, he could face significant legal consequences, including imprisonment and the requirement to repay the misappropriated funds.
The three implicated officers are also under scrutiny, with police working to determine the extent of their involvement and whether they acted independently or as part of a larger network. Investigators have indicated that additional arrests may follow as more details emerge.
Broader Lessons
The case of Norman Galla underscores the importance of robust oversight and accountability within public service. Experts point to the need for stronger mechanisms to monitor employee attendance and performance, particularly in remote districts where such oversight may be more challenging to enforce.
One proposed solution is the implementation of biometric attendance systems, which could help eliminate the potential for payroll fraud by linking salary payments directly to verified attendance records. Additionally, greater transparency in administrative processes and increased community involvement in monitoring local government activities could serve as deterrents to corruption.
Public Reaction
The revelations have sparked widespread debate among residents, with many calling for harsher penalties for public servants found guilty of corruption.
“This money could have been used to improve agricultural services or support community development projects,” said a local farmer. “Instead, it went into the pockets of someone who wasn’t even here.”
The case has also fueled calls for a broader inquiry into the conduct of public officials in Koboko District, with some residents demanding the resignation of senior administrators who failed to detect the irregularities earlier.
As Norman Galla’s case proceeds through the legal system, it serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in public service. While his arrest marks a significant step toward justice, it also highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent similar cases in the future.