The Assistant RDC of Agago District, Mr. Oweka John Bostify, has arrested the Lapono Parish Chief, identified only as Hope, on several accusations of extorting PDM funds from the community under the pretext of allowing them to access PDM cash.
The arrest of the parish chief was met with jubilation by many of the residents, who had reported her to the RDC’s office over ongoing extortion from the local population of Lira Kato Sub-County in Agago District.
Speaking to the Ankole Times newspaper on Sunday evening, Oweka stated that, in an effort to combat corruption, his next move would be to arrest and prosecute anyone implicated in the diversion of PDM funds in Agago District or involved in extortion from members of the PDM Parish SACCO.
Oweka John Bostify has been praised by several members of Lira Kato Sub-County, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, for responding positively and promptly to their complaints and for bringing the embattled parish chief to justice.
While addressing PDM beneficiaries, SACCO leaders, and parish chiefs of Lira Kato Sub-County regarding allegations of illegal extortion of funds from the community, contrary to PDM guidelines, he also arrested the parish chief of Lira Kato Parish on suspicion of fraud and misconduct.
ARDC Oweka mentioned that they are investigating a group called “Okonye Kenwa” in Olyelowidyel Parish, Kotomor Sub-County, where a syndicate was reportedly involved. One individual named Ongom has been arrested and is in detention at Kotomor Police Outpost as investigations continue. Another suspect has fled from Olyelowidyel and is currently hiding in Lira.
Oweka explained that the two suspects waylaid a boy named Ogwal Oron of Olyelowidyel Parish on the night of August 23, 2024. They attacked him, forcing him to hand over his phone and mobile money PIN number, allegedly withdrawing 965,000 UGX to an account under the name “Alum Monica.” The money was intended for a poor widow, a PDM beneficiary named Ayado Matide.
The phone was returned the following day by Ongom after the money had been transferred to another account registered as “Alum Monica,” according to mini transaction records.
The family of the widow, Ayado Matide, has since received threats from Tobias, the father of the accused (Ongom), questioning why their son was arrested for assault and causing the loss of PDM funds.
Oweka has instructed the police in Kotomor to immediately arrest two more individuals in connection to the Olyelowidyel Parish SACCO case, including the SACCO chairperson, who is also accused of extortion by the community.
He mentioned that similar cases of extortion have been reported to their office from several sub-counties in Agago District, where some SACCO leaders have been accused of extortion and charging money in the name of filling out forms to obtain PDM cash.
The ARDC has urged community members to report such matters to the RDC’s office for appropriate action.
Oweka John Bostify has been an active leader before his appointment as Assistant RDC of Agago, under the Office of the President. He previously served as a youth councillor in Greater Kitgum and as a district councillor representing the people of Omot Sub-County in both Pader and Agago Districts.
