In Alebtong, Uganda, two community leaders from Amugu Town Council have been arrested because of serious accusations that they cheated people in a government program designed to give livestock to poor families. This program is meant to help those in need, but these officials are suspected of misusing it for their own gain.
One of the detained officials, Odongo Levi, who worked as a town agent, is accused of illegally changing the list of people who were supposed to receive free livestock. He is also suspected of asking for bribes, reportedly between 200,000 and 500,000 Ugandan Shillings, from residents who hoped to get aid. The other official, Aliro Lawrence, a local chairperson, was also arrested after community members voiced strong complaints and even called for a new town agent during a meeting.
The arrests came after many local residents complained to authorities. Jimmy Okello, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Alebtong, confirmed that his office looked into these claims and found that at least four names had been wrongly swapped on the official list of beneficiaries. He stressed that these actions were taken because the community spoke up and provided crucial information.
Mr. Okello issued a stern warning to all local agents in the district, telling them not to misuse any government projects. He urged everyone to stay watchful and to report any official who asks for money for services that are supposed to be free. He emphasized, “This livestock program is here to uplift the poor, not to make a few individuals rich. Anyone who tries to sabotage it will face the full force of the law. Let’s work together to make Alebtong free from corruption.”
Police investigations into these allegations are currently ongoing.