Police in Oyam District are investigating two officials from Loro Town Council who were arrested for allegedly extorting money from residents seeking registration under the government’s cattle restocking program.
The suspects have been identified as Evaline Nyandira, a Town Agent for Western Ward, and Francis Jonga, LC1 Chairperson of Eponga Cell.
They were arrested on Saturday.
It is alleged that the duo collected between UGX 2,000 and UGX 5,000 from residents, depending on their status, to facilitate their registration in the program.
Robert Ekwaro, the LC3 Chairperson of Loro Town Council, says he received information about the alleged extortion and acted swiftly to have the suspects arrested and handed over to police at Loro Police Station.
Ekwaro notes that the total amount of money collected by the suspects is yet to be established.
Meanwhile, the Oyam Resident District Commissioner, James Shilako, reveals that multiple reports suggest some parish chiefs and town agents have been demanding up to UGX 5,000 per household as a registration fee—an act he describes as illegal and unacceptable.
He further alleges that the practice is being carried out with the knowledge of some sub-county chiefs and town clerks, who reportedly instructed junior staff to collect the money.
This is not the first such case in Oyam District. On March 30, 2026, Mark Obangkwon, a 55-year-old Assistant Chief Administrative Officer, was arrested for allegedly soliciting money from a job applicant.
Under the Anti-Corruption Act, extortion is classified as a form of corruption, with offenders liable to a prison sentence of up to 10 years, a fine not exceeding 240 currency points, or both.
By URN
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