By Delux Emmy Alomu
SOROTI CITY
In a significant development, Soroti City Town Clerk, Joseph Mwesigwa has placed Hellen Ajalo, the Community Development Officer for the Soroti City East Division, under interdiction due to allegations of acquiring money under false pretenses.
Alajo was earlier arraigned before the Chief Magistrates court in Soroti, where she pleaded not guilty to charges of obtaining money by false pretense from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM). She was remanded to Soroti Government prison and is expected to return to court on May 27th, 2026.
This decision, communicated in a letter dated April 23, 2026, comes amid ongoing concerns regarding compliance with the law as outlined in Section 285 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 128.
After her arrest by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, Ajalo’s case was brought to court on April 23, 2026, leading to immediate administrative action.
Mwesigwa emphasizes that this interdiction is essential to facilitate uninterrupted investigations and legal proceedings against Ajalo, in accordance with Regulation 38 of the Public Service Commission Regulations, 2009, and Uganda’s Public Service Standing Orders 2021.
During her interdiction, Ajalo will not be permitted to access her office, except for the necessary handover process defined in the Standing Orders, which should be executed without delay.
Furthermore, she will receive half of her monthly salary for the duration of the interdiction, as stipulated under Regulation 38 (2) and Section (F-s) 14 (d) of the Standing Orders.
It is important to note that Ajalo will only be entitled to any outstanding earnings once the interdiction is rescinded.
Additionally, she is prohibited from leaving the country without prior authorization from the designated officer, as outlined in Section (F-s) 14 (e) of the Standing Orders.
This information has also been communicated to the City Mayor, the Acting Chief Finance Officer, and the Acting Principal Internal Auditor.
