The Kitgum Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Walter Komakech Oyo, has arrested James Benard Emenyu, the Parish Chief of Lamola, and Christopher Ogola, the Local Council Two chairperson of Lamola Parish, for allegedly extorting money from locals for favours when the government cattle restocking takes effect.
The duo is accused of demanding seven thousand shillings per household to register for the cattle restocking program.
The duo had allegedly extorted close to three hundred thousand shillings from 42 households.
According to Oyo, the suspects admitted to collecting the money, claiming it was for data collection purposes.
However, Oyo notes that the registration process for the restocking program is free, and the government has already allocated funds for the project.
The program, initiated last year, aims to compensate households in the Teso, Lango, and Acholi sub-regions for animals lost during past conflicts and cattle rustling.
Alternatively, the government approved a cash payment of five million Shillings per household, an estimated equivalent of five heads of cattle. Peter Oyesigye, the Kitgum District Police Commander, confirms the arrest of the two suspects, saying they were released after recording statements as police continue with investigations.
By Denis Opoka
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