LCII Chairperson Arrested for Defrauding Cattle Restocking Programme

Police in Soroti have arrested Jackson Ogwaya, the LCII chairperson of Okunguro Village in Asuret Sub-county, over allegations that he defrauded a beneficiary of the government’s Cattle Restocking Programme of five million Shillings.

Ogwaya’s arrest follows claims that he illegally accessed funds meant for Betty Akajo without her knowledge. Preliminary investigations show that on May 8, 2026, Ogwaya collected Akajo’s National Identity Card and SIM card from her home, reportedly telling her that they were needed for registration under the government programme. 

But after obtaining the documents,  Ogwaya replaced Akajo’s SIM card and used a mobile money account under his control to access the funds. On June 9, Ogwaya reportedly accompanied Akajo to Wendi offices at Pearl Bank in Soroti City to withdraw the money. 

Although the full sum of five million Shillings was released in her name, he allegedly gave her only 200,000 Shillings before sending her home. The alleged fraud came to light when Akajo informed her husband about the transaction. The couple subsequently reported the matter to Katine Police Station, where the case was registered. 

Ogwaya’s arrest comes shortly after another LCII chairperson, Johnson Echau of Tubur Central Ward in Tubur Town Council, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a beneficiary of the same programme. Julius Opitan accused Echau of withdrawing five million Shillings on his behalf, but handed over only three million Shillings. 

Following investigations conducted by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), police and Soroti District LCV Chairperson Bob Owiny, Echau reportedly admitted to the offence and refunded the missing two million Shillings. 

Owiny warned local leaders against exploiting programme beneficiaries, saying those found extorting money would be arrested and prosecuted. Soroti District Police Commander Moses Olang confirmed the arrests and said investigations were ongoing. 

Once investigations are complete, he added, the files will be submitted to the Resident State Attorney for legal guidance before court proceedings commence. The Cattle Restocking Programme was established by the government to support households that remain vulnerable due to the effects of past conflicts. 

The programme targets five beneficiaries per parish across the three sub-regions. In Soroti District, 486 people were initially registered, but only 470 were approved after the vetting process excluded civil servants and politicians. So far, 372 beneficiaries have received payments under the programme.