Haruna Onai Aron, the LC III Chairperson of Labor Sub-County, Serere District, is in trouble for alleged failure to meet his pledge towards the construction of St. Michael Catholic Church. 

On October 4, 2025, St. Michael Catholic Church organized a fundraising event to mobilize resources for the long-delayed completion of its building. 

The project has stalled for years due to a lack of funds. The event drew Christians, local leaders, and well-wishers, with several items—including a cow, a bull, two turkeys, and several chickens—put up for auction. 

John Engau, chairperson of the church’s construction committee, says Onai bid for one cow, one bull, two chickens, and one turkey, pledging to pay immediately after the auction. 

The items were valued at 2.9 million shillings—1.7 million for the bull, 1 million for the cow, and 200,000 shillings for the turkey and chickens combined.

However, Engau says Onai failed to honor his pledge even after two months. 

Engau adds that repeated visits to Onai’s home to recover the money were met with evasion.

Sometimes he would hide upon seeing Engai approach with other church members to demand the funds.

After failed attempts to recover the money, Engau filed a complaint at Arapo Police Station under CRB 05/20/11/2025. 

Gedeone Egili, another parishioner, corroborated Engau’s account, saying Onai took the livestock in full view of the congregation without making any payment. There was increasing pressure from other church members questioning why Onai had not fulfilled his promise.

Despite attempts to reach him at home and office, Onai allegedly continued to evade inquiries.

On Wednesday, police arrested him, and he was detained at Serere Central Police Station as investigations into the alleged theft of church items proceeded. 

It also emerged that Onai is under investigation for allegedly stealing a generator belonging to Labor Sub County, with the case registered under CRB 03/31/01/2024 at Arapo Police Station. 

Stephen Mukombe, South Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson, confirms that Onai, who is out on police bond, is facing charges related to the alleged theft of the church items alongside other pending allegations under investigation.