Kitgum, Uganda: Two local leaders in Kitgum District have been arrested over allegations of extorting money from vulnerable households seeking to benefit from the government’s cattle restocking programme, triggering outrage in the community.
The Kitgum Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Walter Komakech Oyoo, identified the suspects as James Benard Emenyu, Parish Chief of Lamola, and Christopher Ogola.
According to Komakech, the duo allegedly charged households Shs7,000 each to be registered under the government initiative, despite the programme being free.
“They were arrested after credible reports from the community that they were soliciting money from vulnerable households,” Oyo said. “This is unacceptable because the government does not charge any fees for this programme.”
Preliminary findings indicate that at least 42 households had already paid the illegal fees, with the suspects collecting close to Shs300,000.
Komakech revealed that during initial questioning, the suspects admitted to collecting the money but attempted to justify their actions.
“They claimed the money was meant to facilitate data collection, but that explanation does not hold because the government already provides funding for all programme activities,” he said.
The cattle restocking programme, launched last year, targets households in the Acholi, Lango, and Teso sub-regions that lost livestock due to past conflicts and cattle rustling.
Beneficiaries are entitled to receive either cattle or a cash package of Shs5 million, equivalent to about five cows. “This programme is meant to restore livelihoods, not to be turned into an opportunity for extortion,” Oyo emphasised. “We shall not tolerate anyone who seeks to exploit wananchi.”
Kitgum District Police Commander Peter Oyesigye confirmed the arrests, noting that the suspects have since been released as investigations continue. “They recorded statements and were released pending further inquiries. We are gathering more evidence and engaging affected residents,” he said.
Local residents expressed frustration, saying they felt pressured to pay for fear of being excluded from the programme. “We were told that if we don’t pay, our names would not be considered,” one resident revealed. “Many of us are struggling, so raising that money was not easy.”
Authorities have urged the public to report any form of extortion linked to government programmes, stressing that all services under the cattle restocking initiative are free.
“No one should pay any money to benefit from this initiative. If anyone asks for money, they should be reported immediately,” Komakech warned.
The incident has renewed concerns over accountability at the grassroots level, particularly in programmes meant to support post-conflict recovery.
According to the Uganda Police Annual Crime Report 2025, cases of fraud and obtaining money by false pretence remain prevalent at community level, often targeting vulnerable populations through government-linked schemes.
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