Police in Busia District are holding Masafu sub-county chief Patrick Odong for embezzling funds.
Odong is alleged to have embezzled 49 Million Shillings that was meant to purchase land and construct the sub-county headquarters.
According to Mathew Taab the LCIII Chairman Masafu sub-county, the money was given to the sub-county as compensation from the Uganda National Roads Authority-UNRA for encroachment on part of the sub-county land during the construction of Musita, Lumino-Busia road.
However, Odong allegedly misappropriated over 30 million shillings which was approved in the financial year 2019/2020 by the sub-county council under DDEG program. The funds were meant for road maintenance and women groups.
Taab added that when Odong failed to account for the funds, the district executive committee resolved to order for his arrest. He also produced a fake land title claiming that he had purchased the land.
Judith Anyango and Namakicha Taab both district councilors, revealed that Odongo has avoided them several times whenever he is asked to account for the funds.
According to Nelson Ibembe the Officer in charge Masafu police station, they are recording statements from the district and sub-county leaders, while Odongo is currently detained at Masafu police station.