The Deputy Mayor of Gulu, Benson Kilara, has been remanded to Gulu Central Prison for embezzlement.
Kilara and the Assistant Town Clerk of Gulu Municipal Council, Denis Okongo, were yesterday afternoon charged with embezzlement, interfering in the procurement process and abuse of office at the Gulu Grade One Magistrate's Court. Joan Aciro, the presiding magistrate, heard that Kilara and Okongo swindled 11 million shillings intended for the relocation of Laroo Forest.
The money was part of 25 million shillings allocated by Gulu Municipal Council in the 20078/2008 financial year for the purchase of land in Amuru in which to relocate the peri-urban forest. An investigation by the Inspectorate of Government reportedly found that Kilara and Okongo only paid 14 million shillings for the 100 acres of land in Amuru.
Court heard that Kilara retained five million shillings and Okongo pocketed six million shillings.
The Deputy Mayor and Assistant Town Clerk were denied the opportunity to apply for bail. They were informed that they can only apply for bail through the Anti-Corruption Court to which their case will be referred.
Benson Kilara and Denis Okongo will now spend the Christmas Holiday behind bars. Their case will come up for mention on January 5th.
