A significant blow has been dealt to corruption in Kwania District as law enforcement officials moved to arrest a local government representative accused of exploiting the very citizens he was meant to serve. Geoffrey Ebong, a town agent stationed in the Eastern Ward of Inomo Town Council, is currently in police custody following shocking allegations that he turned a transparent democratic election into a predatory pay to play scheme.
As the local community prepared to choose new leaders for the Parish Development Model SACCO structures, Ebong allegedly began demanding illegal payments from aspiring candidates. Reports suggest that individuals hoping to serve their community were pressured to pay between 20,000 and 50,000 Ugandan shillings just to participate in the election process. This official reportedly masked his greed by claiming these funds were necessary administrative fees, a move that directly contradicts the government’s commitment to free and fair leadership selection.
The situation came to light after a wave of outcry from brave residents reached the office of the Kwania Assistant Resident District Commissioner. Ceasor Obada, taking a firm stand against administrative malpractice, wasted no time in ordering the police at Inomo Station to intervene. Obada emphasized that the government will not tolerate anyone who treats a public office as a personal gold mine, especially when those actions target programs designed to lift citizens out of poverty.
One victim, Odora George, shared a frustrating encounter where he was told a 30,000 shilling bribe was mandatory for his candidacy as General Secretary. He was even led to believe this money was destined for higher ranking district officials, a common tactic used by extortionists to legitimize their crimes. While George initially felt pressured to comply, the wall of silence eventually broke as more community members spoke out. Other residents, including Gole Moses, pointed out that this was not an isolated incident, alleging a troubling pattern of unethical conduct by the same official during previous government initiatives like cattle restocking programs.
To clear the air and protect the integrity of the Parish Development Model, the District Principal Commercial Officer, Katherine Akello, issued a stern reminder to the public: every single nomination form for these leadership positions is absolutely free. She clarified that all local leaders had already been fully trained on the correct, legal procedures and that any demand for money is a criminal act of exploitation. Akello urged the public to remain vigilant and report any official who attempts to manipulate the system for personal gain, warning that legal and disciplinary consequences will be swift for those who violate the law.
This arrest serves as a powerful reminder that the people of Kwania will no longer remain silent in the face of corruption. As investigations continue, the message from the district leadership is clear: the Parish Development Model belongs to the people, and no corrupt official will be allowed to stand in the way of the community’s progress.