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The victims, many of whom are elderly, have been denied access to funds meant to help them rebuild their livelihoods
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Otuke — Three suspects have been charged and remanded in connection with the theft of cattle compensation funds meant for vulnerable beneficiaries in Otuke District. The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working alongside the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), this morning arraigned Obua Denith, Okeng Joel, and Ayo Jonan before the Otuke Magistrates Court on charges of theft and unlawful possession of national identity cards belonging to other people.
The suspects, who appeared in court on Thursday, were remanded until July 22, 2025, as investigations into the scam continue. Preliminary findings indicate that during the registration and account-opening process for the government’s cattle compensation programme, the accused and others still at large unlawfully obtained bank details and national IDs of their victims — most of whom are elderly residents entitled to compensation for cattle lost during past insurgencies.
The suspects are alleged to have opened and operated bank accounts in the victims’ names, withdrawing compensation funds without their knowledge. In addition, they reportedly withheld bank account details from the rightful owners, effectively blocking them from accessing their money.
Authorities estimate that more than UGX 500 million has already been stolen through this fraudulent scheme. “The victims, many of whom are elderly, have been denied access to funds meant to help them rebuild their livelihoods,” an official involved in the investigation said.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of fraud related to the cattle compensation programme as investigations continue and more arrests are anticipated.
Torch Media Africa
