Authorities in Soroti are investigating alleged extortion within the cattle restocking program. The restocking exercise is aimed at uplifting impoverished families affected by past atrocities in the Teso, Lango, and West Nile regions. Reports in the beneficiary regions indicate that some individuals are attempting to take advantage of the vulnerable persons by demanding bribes in the form of kickbacks.
The situation prompted Soroti district LC5 Chairperson, Bob Owiny, the RDC’s office, the DISO, and the Police to investigate the emerging claims. ”I have to ensure that government programs benefit the intended beneficiaries. However, I have learned that the biggest challenge with the restocking program is that it is not reaching the intended individuals,” said Owiny.
He revealed that civil servants, politicians, pensioners, and businesspersons have manipulated the system, using their insider knowledge and relationships with those in power to divert funds meant for the poor.” Owiny noted an influx of reports from vulnerable individuals seeking justice. One case involved Julius Opitan, who presented evidence against Johnson Echau, the LC2 chairperson of Tubur.
Opitan alleged that Echat withdrew five million shillings from the bank but only delivered 3 million shillings to him. Together with the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and police, Owiny launched an investigation that led to Echat’s admission of guilt.
He ultimately returned the two million shillings he had extorted from Opitan. ”As the investigations continue, those who are still extorting from beneficiaries should be aware that the law prohibits such actions,” Owiny warned. He urged anyone who has been exploited in Soroti City to come forward with evidence so that security can take appropriate action.
The district security committee, alongside his office, has been verifying the list of individuals submitted for the restocking program. “We managed to screen that list and removed all civil servants, politicians, and businessmen who had been improperly included to benefit without following the guidelines,” he stated.
He alleged that some LCII chairpersons had signed agreements with beneficiaries, demanding a percentage of the funds once the 5 million shillings was deposited into their accounts, exploiting those who were genuinely in need. “This is unacceptable. We will not allow corruption to undermine the program. The intended beneficiaries must receive the money without any interference.”
Moses Olang, the District Police Commander for Soroti, confirmed that one LCII chairperson has been apprehended amid the ongoing investigations. “We have one individual in custody for alleged extortion, and we are continuing to investigate all reported cases of extortion,” Olang stated.
”We aim to thoroughly investigate these alleged extortionists and ensure they face prosecution. Once our investigation is complete, we will send the case files to the Resident State Attorney for further advice before proceeding to court,” he added.
The cattle restocking program was introduced by the government to assist families that have remained impoverished due to past conflicts. The initiative targets five beneficiaries per parish across the three sub-regions.
In Soroti district, a total of 486 individuals were registered, but upon scrutiny, only 470 were approved after removing civil servants and politicians from the beneficiary list. So far, 372 beneficiaries have received payments since the program’s inception.-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
