ALEbtONG, UGANDA — Two local leaders in Amugu Town Council are in police custody for allegedly sabotaging a government livestock restocking program meant to uplift poor households, authorities have confirmed .
Odongo Levi, the Town Agent for Acek Ward, and Aliro Lawrence, the LC2 Chairperson, were arrested following complaints from residents who accused them of manipulating the beneficiary list and demanding illegal payments .
According to reports, Odongo allegedly altered the official list of beneficiaries to include people from outside the community and demanded bribes ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 UGX from residents seeking to benefit from the program . The scheme affected households in Ebong and Aminalweka cells, where names of legitimate beneficiaries were reportedly swapped .
The arrests came after community members raised concerns with LC3 Bonny Ocen, who initiated an investigation . "We found that at least four names had been illegally swapped on the list," said Jimmy Okello, Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Alebtong .
Okello issued a stern warning to all officials and urged citizens to report anyone demanding payment for free government services . "Livestock restocking is designed to help the poor, not to enrich a few individuals. Anyone sabotaging it will face legal action," he stated .
Police investigations are ongoing, and both suspects are expected to face charges of fraud and abuse of office . The community has reportedly called for Odongo's removal as town agent, expressing deep frustration with the alleged mismanagement .
