DPP drops charges against Soroti District engineer

Denis Ocung and a one Ismail Odeke had been embroiled in a legal battle and were facing allegations of defrauding the Soroti District Local Government of more than Shs24 million.

SOROTI | The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has dropped corruption charges earlier levelled against Soroti District acting engineer Denis Ocung.

Ocung and Ismail Odeke, a contractor, had been embroiled in a legal battle and were facing allegations of defrauding the Soroti District Local Government of more than Shs24 million.

They were arrested on June 24, 2023, and subsequently charged by the Anti-Corruption Court in Kamala on June 27, 2023, with abuse of office and conspiracy to defraud the government.

However, in a surprising turn of events, DPP Jane Francis Abodo said the State had lost interest in the case, citing insufficient evidence to sustain the charges.

The Anti-Corruption Chief Magistrate, in a decision on February 29, 2024, set the duo free and ordered they be refunded Shs4.5 million in total that they had paid for bail.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Philip Engulu, the councel for Ocung, expressed his satisfaction with the decision, welcoming the newfound freedom and confirming his ability to resume his duties.

Ocung emphasised unity and pledged not to pursue any legal action against the district.

"As a Christian, I don't have any ill intentions to disrupt anyone. I am an honest person, and I give God glory," he said.

However, Abraham Ekwaru, the Soroti information officer, said there were still pending issues regarding Ocung's employment with the district.

He cited a legal matter involving double payment to a contractor for the Adamasiko water scheme.

But he said the the local government would reinstate Ocung once they obtain clearance from the District Services Commission.