Police in Mbale City are investigating the disappearance of Shs250 million meant as compensation to a widow in Budaka District, paid by the now-defunct Uganda National Roads Authority (Unra).
Christine Kawono, a resident of Bunamwela Village in Sekulo Parish, Kadimukoli Sub-county, says she never received the funds that were meant to compensate her for land acquired during the construction of the Pallisa-Kamonkoli and Tirinyi-Pallisa-Kumi roads.
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Kawono claims the money was deposited into the account of her lawyer, Yonna Wasiire of M/S Spencer Associated Advocates, in November 2024. However, despite giving the lawyer her personal bank account number (A/C No 320454500855), the money has not been transferred to her.
In a letter to the Assistant Registrar of Mbale High Court dated December 13, 2024, Kawono appealed for help, but says no resolution has been reached. “I was informed on November 26, 2024, that the compensation funds were sent to my lawyer’s account. He confirmed this over a phone call with your office. Yet, despite clear instructions, he has never deposited the money into my personal account,” her letter reads.
Police spokesperson for the Elgon region, Mr Rogers Taitika, confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Lawyer Wasiire acknowledged that Kawono is his client but declined to comment further, stating that the issue is under police and court review.
Now 52 years old, Kawono resides in a semi-permanent home and earns a living by doing manual labor. “This compensation was my only hope to improve my living conditions and start a small business,” she said.
According to Richard Hamya, head of the Basike Clan to which Kawono belongs, the estate of her late husband, Hoseo Hamya Gesa, was valued at Shs568 million. The money was to be split between his two widows. While the other widow received Shs260 million directly, Kawono’s Shs225 million was sent to her lawyer—and she has yet to access it.
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