KOLE — Police in Kole District have arrested 19 suspects over alleged irregularities in the disbursement of funds meant for beneficiaries of a government cattle-restocking programme.
The suspects are being held at Kole Central Police Station as investigations continue into the alleged misuse of the funds, which reportedly occurred between June and July 2026.
According to the North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Patrick Jimmy Okema, a General Enquiry File (GEF) No. 016/2026 was opened at Kole Central Police Station to investigate the allegations. The matter was formally reported on September 21, 2026, at about 8:00am.
Police said preliminary investigations indicate that some workers at Kole District Local Government, including Okello James, Okello Sam, Okwera Bonny and others, allegedly received Shs5 million each that was intended for beneficiaries of the cattle-restocking programme.
The alleged irregularities reportedly came to the attention of authorities through the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), following which the suspects were arrested.
Police said Shs5 million has so far been recovered from one of the suspects.
Investigators also established that some of the suspects allegedly brought relatives from other districts who received money on their behalf.
Police said the files relating to the suspects and other individuals implicated in the alleged transactions will be compiled and submitted to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and legal guidance once investigations are completed.
The 19 suspects in custody are Okello James, Okello Sam, Okwera Bonny, Okello George, Ongom Moses, Oloro Geoffrey, Odia Francis, Oyongo Moses, Adong Janet, Ayuru Rebecca, Opio Sam, Engabu Emmanuel, Odongo Daniel, Odongo Fredrick, Ayo Naume, Abonyo Rebecca, Ekit Dorcus, Ann Jennifer Mistia and Oding Bonny.
Police have warned local government officials against interfering with or undermining government programmes.
“We want to caution and send a strong warning to Local Government leadership to avoid playing and undermining government programmes through messing with the whole process,” Okema said.
He added that anyone found to have participated in the alleged irregularities would be apprehended and taken to court in accordance with the law.
Investigations into the alleged misuse of the cattle-restocking funds are ongoing.
