IN TROUBLE: Amuria LCV Moses Emabu. Photo/internet
Amuria District LCV Chairperson Moses Emabu has come under fire after admitting to relocating a community borehole from Apeduru Sub County to his home village, sparking public outrage and accusations of abuse of office.
The controversy first surfaced on May 16, 2024, when a report from the Ministry of Ethics and Integrity, led by Minister Rose Lilly Akello, alleged that Emabu had personally diverted a borehole intended for the people of Moruakine Village, Omaria Parish, Apeduru Sub-county and instead installed it at his residence in Oduku Village, Ogolai Parish, Ogolal Sub-county.
Addressing the media at Orungo High School, Emabu defended his actions, denying any wrongdoing and attributing the issue to political motivations.
“There was nothing called diversion. It was not diverted. It was politics at play. Because I’m now here. Those people came there. What next have they done, if it was in diversion?” he said.
He further argued that the Amuria District Council has the authority to decide the allocation of funds and projects, including borehole installations.
“Government sends money with no attachment of where it must go. It is the work of the chairman, executive, and the council to determine where the money goes. If the council says the borehole goes to Oduku, then it is not an issue.”
Technical Justification or Cover-Up?
According to Emabu, the initial siting and surveying process in Moruakine Village revealed that the area lacked a viable water source.
He claimed that upon discovering this, the district authorities decided to allocate the borehole to another location rather than return the funds to the government.
“Yes, the borehole was supposed to be there, but they did the siting, the surveying, they did not find water. Now what do I do? The technical people told us, ‘Chairman, there is no water there.’ What do I do? The contractor went, disappeared,” he explained.
Emabu maintained that rather than wasting the funds, he ensured the borehole was placed where it would be beneficial.
“Was it right for me to send the money back? It was not right for me to send the money back. There are very different needs that require boreholes. If the leaders say the water can be there, what crime have I committed?”
The revelation has sparked widespread criticism from residents and political opponents, many of whom accuse Emabu of misusing public resources for personal gain.
Local opposition figures have seized the moment to castigate Emabu, accusing him of abuse of office and mismanagement of public resources.
However, the LCV chairman remains defiant, insisting that his decision was in the best interest of the district.
“For me, I am the parent of the district. The politicians are now ashamed. They even fear greeting me. I am supported by God. I do the right thing with the guidance of God,” he declared.
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