Vincent Alpha Opio, the Vice Chairperson of Kikuube LCV, is currently in custody at Kikuube Central Police Station over allegations of extorting 1.5 million shillings from an applicant for a job advertised in the district.
Opio was arrested on Tuesday afternoon at Kikuube District Headquarters following a complaint by Derick Musabiire, who alleged that Opio demanded money to secure a job for him. Despite paying the amount, Musabiire did not secure the position and reported the incident to the police.
Julius Hakiza, the spokesperson for Albertine Region Police, confirmed Opio’s arrest and stated that detectives are compiling his case file. Once completed, the file will be submitted to the Resident State Attorney for review and legal guidance.
“Hakiza mentioned that witnesses have recorded statements against Opio to facilitate the investigation. ‘It is true we have him in our custody on allegations of extortion, and detectives are working on his file. Witnesses have recorded statements, and once the file is ready, it will be forwarded to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and legal guidance,’ said Hakiza.”
URN also reported that several councilors in Kikuube District are under investigation for similar allegations of extorting money from job seekers. This investigation is part of broader scrutiny into corruption and extortion in the recruitment process that has implicated various government officials and politicians in the district.
Amlan Tumusiime, the Resident District Commissioner of Kikuube, confirmed ongoing investigations involving senior officials and members of the District Service Commission. He acknowledged receiving numerous complaints implicating officials but refrained from divulging details to safeguard ongoing investigations. Tumusiime noted that the State House Anti-Corruption Unit had been engaged to investigate the matter.
“In May 2022, district councilors in Kikuube moved to censure three members of the District Executive Committee, including Vincent Alpha Opio, over corruption, extortion, and forgery allegations,” stated Kobusinge.
During a council session, Ruth Kobusinge, the councilor for Buhimba sub-county, accused Opio and others of soliciting bribes from job applicants under false promises of securing employment. The accused officials denied these allegations, attributing them to attempts to tarnish their reputations.
