The Inspectorate of Government (IG) has arrested former Arua District Local Government (DLG) chairperson Alfred Okuonzi over allegations that he unlawfully sold a government motorcycle that had been entrusted to him during his tenure in office.
Okuonzi was arrested alongside his son and two brokers who allegedly participated in arrangements to sell the motorcycle for UGX 6.5 million.
According to the Inspectorate of Government, preliminary investigations indicate that Okuonzi had directed the two brokers to find a buyer for the district-owned motorcycle, which was reportedly still in his possession.
The arrest marks another intervention by the anti-corruption agency in its efforts to investigate the alleged mismanagement, misuse and unlawful disposal of public assets by individuals entrusted with public responsibilities.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Anti-Corruption Court on Monday, November 2, 2026, where they will face the next stage of the legal process.
Accountability for public resources
The case raises questions about the management and accountability of government property, particularly assets assigned to public officials in the course of performing their official duties.
Motorcycles and other vehicles purchased using public funds are government assets and remain subject to established public asset management procedures, even when assigned to individual officeholders for administrative or operational purposes.
Under Uganda’s public financial management and accountability framework, public institutions are required to maintain proper records of government property, safeguard public assets and ensure that their disposal follows the prescribed legal and administrative procedures.
An individual being entrusted with a government vehicle or motorcycle does not automatically acquire ownership rights over it. Such property remains under the ownership and control of the relevant government institution unless it is lawfully transferred or disposed of through authorised procedures.
The alleged attempt to sell the Arua District motorcycle therefore brings into focus the responsibility of public officials to distinguish between property assigned to them for official use and assets they personally own.
The role of the Inspectorate of Government
The arrest is part of the broader mandate of the Inspectorate of Government to promote accountability, transparency and integrity in public administration.
Established under Article 223 of the Constitution of Uganda, the Inspectorate is mandated to investigate or cause investigations into allegations of corruption, abuse of authority and misuse of public office.
It also has powers to investigate public officers and other persons suspected of engaging in corrupt practices or conduct that undermines public service delivery.
Through investigations, prosecutions and other enforcement measures, the institution seeks to protect public resources and ensure that individuals entrusted with public responsibilities are held accountable for their actions.
The arrest of Okuonzi and the three other suspects also highlights the importance of investigating not only public officials allegedly involved in the misuse of government property but also individuals who may facilitate the unlawful acquisition or disposal of public assets.
Presumption of innocence
As the matter proceeds to court, the allegations against the four suspects will be subjected to judicial scrutiny.
The suspects are entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
Their appearance before the Anti-Corruption Court on November 2 is expected to provide an opportunity for the judicial process to take its course and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged sale of the district motorcycle.
The case serves as a reminder that public resources are held in trust for citizens and must be protected from misuse, regardless of the position or status of the individuals entrusted with them.
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