Apac Health Official Ordered to Repay Shs 31 Million in Misappropriated CCTV Funds

Francis Leone Oceng, the assistant district health officer for environmental health in Apac, faces a stern directive from the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Emmy Ejuku Olaboro, to repay Shs 31 million. This sum was earmarked for the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at Apac General Hospital.

The order stems from a special audit conducted in December 2025, which uncovered evidence of misappropriation concerning these funds. In a letter dated June 30, 2026, Olaboro formally instructed Oceng to initiate the refund process within five working days, emphasizing that failure to comply would be seen as disobedience and lead to disciplinary action.

Despite Oceng submitting a report detailing purported activities and payments, the audit revealed a significant lack of supporting documentation to verify that the work was completed or supplies were received. The CAO has tasked the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) with overseeing the recovery process and advising on potential installment plans, requiring a payment schedule to be submitted.

Apac’s Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Andrew Onyuk, confirmed receipt of the directive and stated its purpose is to recover public funds while investigations proceed. He indicated that relevant officials are cooperating with the ongoing administrative investigation.

However, Oceng has refuted the allegations, labeling them as politically motivated and aimed at damaging his reputation, particularly in light of his brother’s recent election as Apac District LC V chairperson. He asserts his innocence, claims to have documentary evidence to account for the expenditure, and intends to contest the accusations legally. Oceng highlighted that this is not the first audit query he has faced recently, mentioning another involving Shs 48 million from 2023, which he also deems baseless.

This development underscores Apac district’s intensified focus on financial accountability and transparency in the management of public resources, aligning with internal audit recommendations and public demand for responsible governance.

Source: observer.ug