ALEBTONG : Whistleblowers Petition Anti-Corruption Authorities Over Alleged Irregularities in Market Revenue -Collection Contracts Award

Alebtong District, Uganda— A group of ten concerned citizens has formally petitioned anti-corruption authorities to investigate alleged irregularities in the awarding of revenue-collection contracts for two public markets in Alebtong District.

In their petition, the whistleblowers allege that Alebtong District Local Council Chairperson, Ambrose Ongom Ongom, used his influencial position to interfere with the procurement process and secure revenue-collection contracts for Apala and Amugu markets. 

 The petitioners claim that other eligible companies were allegedly sidelined, raising concerns over potential conflicts of interest, abuse of office, and lack of transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.

The whistleblowers express fears that the involvement of a serving district leader in the contracts could undermine public confidence in the procurement process and pose a conflict between public duties and private interests. 

They are calling for an independent investigation into the procurement procedures, including the selection process for the awarded contracts and the bidding activities of participating companies.

Chairperson Denies Allegations 

In response to the allegations, Hon. Ambrose Ongom Ongom, the Alebtong District Local Council Chairperson, refuted the claims. He stated that the procurement process is overseen by the legally established contracts committee, which is responsible for evaluating bids and making award decisions. Ongom emphasized that he has no influence over the committee’s operations and called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to clarify the matter.