LIRA, UGANDA – The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), has arraigned a 42-year-old peasant farmer before the courts in a major crackdown on fraud targeting the government's cattle compensation program.
Otwang Moses, a resident of Centre "C" Cell, Central Ward, Akere Division in Apac District, was on Wednesday remanded to prison after appearing before Grade One Magistrate Jonathan William Wamimbi at the Chief Magistrate's Court in Lira District. He faces a staggering eight counts of theft totaling over Shs 500 million.
The charges, brought under sections 237 and 244 of the Penal Code Act Cap 128, allege that Otwang, along with other accomplices still at large, orchestrated the theft of funds meant to compensate victims who lost cattle during past insurgencies. The offenses are said to have occurred between May 20, 2024, and June 26, 2025, spanning both Apac District and Lira City.
The charge sheet details eight complainants and the specific amounts allegedly stolen from each:
· Busaja Steven – Shs19,550,033
· Ejang Festo – Shs19,500,033
· Odongo Alice Agwang – Shs16,350,013
· Egwal David – Shs19,250,050
· Nakazibwe Edisa – Shs19,050,033
· Nyasibwona Rose – Shs19,500,033
· Amoli Grace – Shs19,950,000
· Akidi Florence – Shs17,150,030
Otwang pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court remanded him until August 20, 2026, when he is expected to appear before the Chief Magistrate for a bail application and the commencement of hearings.
This case underscores the government's renewed commitment to protecting public funds earmarked for vulnerable communities. Earlier this year, in response to widespread fraud that plagued the historical cattle compensation model, the government remodeled the program into a Cattle Restocking initiative. Cabinet approved a flat compensation package of UGX 5 million per household across the Lango, Acholi, and Teso sub-regions, replacing the previous court-ordered payments that had become susceptible to manipulation.
The Police Form 53, filed at CID Headquarters in Lira, indicates that Otwang acted with "others still at large," confirming that investigations are ongoing and more arrests are expected. The joint taskforce—comprising the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, CID, and ODPP—continues to pursue all individuals involved in defrauding the compensation program.
The case serves as a strong warning to would-be fraudsters: the government is determined to ensure that every shilling meant for the recovery and restocking of affected households reaches its intended beneficiaries.
