A Ugandan primary school headteacher faces charges of embezzlement and abuse of office after allegedly misappropriating Shs176 million intended for school infrastructure improvements. Ramadhan Ngobi, 58, who leads Nakazigo Primary School in Mayuge District, appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court on Monday. He did not enter a plea during the session.
The presiding magistrate, Christopher Opit, ordered Ngobi to be held at Luzira Prison and scheduled March 25 for his plea and bail application. Prosecutors Mikka Luteete and William Ntumwa from Uganda’s Inspectorate of Government claim that Ngobi withdrew the funds from the school’s Stanbic Bank account between February and October 2021. The money had been designated for building two classrooms and a five-stance VIP latrine, but the projects were never completed.
According to the prosecution, Ngobi stole the Shs176 million, exploiting his authority as headteacher. They also accuse him of abusing his position by engaging in actions that harmed the interests of his employer. Ngobi will stay in custody until his next court date. If found guilty under Uganda’s anti-corruption laws, he could face a prison sentence of up to 14 years.