Three civil servants from Terego district are currently under investigation by security agencies due to allegations of misuse of social media. The accused include an animal doctor and two teachers, who are said to have made defamatory statements and incited public unrest.
Stephen Candia, the production officer for Omugo sub-county, was arrested two weeks ago. He was initially detained at Terego CPs Omugo before being transferred to Arua government prisons for further questioning. Candia is accused of posting inflammatory messages on social media, urging residents to rise against local security forces. His posts criticized the handling of recruitment processes and other district issues, suggesting that local security officials were failing in their duties.
Candia allegedly wrote, “Like in Kenya, a point will reach Terego here, all the security officers will be arrested by the wananchi for inaction. When people are messing up the recruitment process in the district, monies are returned to consolidated accounts and acrimony is building among the staff, no one speaks. Now, when it comes to PDM and EMYOOGA everyone is awake.”
In addition to Candia, Francis Angufindru, a teacher from Onzua Primary School, and Godfrey Alitia, a teacher at Oriajini and Wandi Progressive Secondary SS, are also involved in the case. They are accused of defamation by Erick Alema, a businessman from Arua city. Alema claims that the two teachers posted false statements linking him to a group involved in criminal activities. Alema has filed a case with reference number 06/01/07/2024 at Awindiri Police post.
Alema has publicly denied the accusations, stating, “I have never killed anyone in my life, and the allegations against me are serious. I request the police to investigate the suspects and anyone else involved to determine their motives.”
Godfrey Alitia, 33, admitted in a self-recorded statement to having committed the alleged crime under Francis Angufindru’s influence. Alitia claimed that a legislator in Terego, who is currently wanted by the police, pays individuals to tarnish Alema’s reputation, with payments ranging from Sh50,000 to 100,000 depending on the severity of the post. In his statement, Alitia apologized to Alema, saying, “I am deeply sorry for defaming Erick. I did not realize I was writing harmful things about my relative. Please forgive me, and I promise to comply with your requests.”
In a telephone interview, Angufindru denied the allegations. He acknowledged his three-day detention but refuted any involvement in defaming Alema. Angufindru suggested that the accusations were politically motivated and requested that the police continue their investigation without interference.
West Nile Police region spokesperson Josephine Angucia, while not providing specific details, promised to follow up on the matter once she receives a full report from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
Terego Resident District Commissioner Festus Ayikobua confirmed the arrests and cautioned against the misuse of social media. He stated, “It is unfortunate to see government officials abusing their positions by using social media for negative purposes instead of advancing their professional roles. If you have issues or notice weaknesses in government systems, use the proper channels. If not, you might face consequences.”
Defamation involves statements that damage an individual’s reputation, whether through slander (non-permanent speech) or libel (permanent forms such as print and social media).
