According to police, the duo is accused of fraudulently accessing funds that had been disbursed to 59-year-old Rose Adong, a beneficiary of the programme. Both suspects are residents of Dog Fitina Village in Myene Parish, Myene Sub-county. Preliminary investigations indicate that during the registration process for a Wendi account, the complainant was allegedly manipulated into linking her account to a phone number controlled by Odongo instead of her own.
Police further allege that the SIM card associated with the account was later swapped with the assistance of his daughter. Authorities say that on June 9, 2026, when government funds worth five million shillings were deposited into the beneficiary’s account, the suspects allegedly initiated a PIN reset and withdrew the money through a financial institution in Kamdini. Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Region Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident, saying investigations are ongoing following a report that led to the arrest of the two suspects.
Police say they have recovered both the original and swapped SIM cards, as well as mobile money transaction records believed to be linked to the suspects. Efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen funds. In a separate incident in Aleka Sub-county, police have also arrested three local leaders over allegations of diverting government funds meant for another beneficiary. The suspects include Isaac Ojok, also known as Orukubade, the LC2 Chairperson of Alibi Parish; Peter Munu, the LC1 Chairperson of Alibi Parish; and Susan Akwero, all residents of Alibi Parish in Aleka Sub-county.
The trio is alleged to have connived to divert five million shillings intended for Silvina Ayo. The case was reported to the Resident District Commissioner’s office in Oyam after the victim’s family raised a complaint. Deputy RDC Francis Bengana said the suspects were summoned, and preliminary findings indicate that they used Ayo’s mobile phone SIM card, which they retained, to receive the funds without her consent.
He urged communities to remain vigilant and report individuals who demand money in exchange for government programmes.
Recently, Oyam Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Joel Ojedra said his office had received complaints of extortion by some technical staff, including town agents and parish chiefs, during registration for government programmes. He warned that such practices would not be tolerated, directing sub-county and town council officials to take full responsibility for implementation. The focal point person for cattle restocking in Oyam District, Clement Emmanuel Otim, said most processes were properly followed, but disputes arise when funds are eventually disbursed. He clarified that beneficiary replacements are allowed only through consultation and agreement with the affected households.
Otim said 805 beneficiaries have been paid, while 916 have been approved pending payment. He added that 14 replacement cases are being processed. Semmy Epila, daughter of the victim Silvina Ayo, said that when they confronted one of the suspects, they were insulted and told that the family had neglected their mother’s National Identification Card. She urged authorities to ensure the suspects refund the money so it can serve its intended purpose of purchasing cattle under the government programme.
Oyam District Police Commander Francis Okongo said the suspects are still being interrogated, and further details will be provided by the regional police spokesperson. Police have warned the public against interfering with government programmes, emphasizing that public funds must reach intended beneficiaries. They also reaffirmed their commitment to investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in fraud targeting government initiatives-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
