Lamwo – Oyet Sisto Ocen, the Chairperson of Lamwo District, has been remanded at Kitgum Central Prison on charges of obtaining goods by false pretence. This development follows his arrest last Friday in an operation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the Uganda Police Criminal Investigation Division.
Charges and Arrest
Earlier today, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, alongside the Uganda Police Criminal Investigation Division and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, presented Ocen before the Lamwo Chief Magistrate Court. During the court session presided over by Grade One Magistrate Vicent Oonyu, multiple charges were read out to Ocen. The charges include obtaining goods by false pretence, obtaining money by false pretence, conspiracy to commit a felony, and conspiracy to defraud.
Details of the Allegations
The court heard that between April and May 2024, Ocen, along with accomplices still at large, conspired to defraud Bazanyanengo Emmanuel by obtaining 2,910,000 Ugandan Shillings under the pretense of selling government vehicles. The vehicles involved in the alleged fraud are:
| Vehicle Type | License Plate/Details |
|---|---|
| Toyota Hilux Pickup | UG 0445M |
| Toyota Hilux (white, numberless) | – |
| Land Cruiser (white, numberless) | – |
Ocen is accused of falsely claiming that these vehicles, which are the property of the Lamwo District Local Government, were being taken for repair, while in reality, they were sold to a businessman.
Court Proceedings
Ocen pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Magistrate Oonyu noted that obtaining goods by false pretence is contrary to Section 285 of the Penal Code Act, CAP 128. Following Ocen’s plea, the court remanded him to Kitgum Central Prison until July 18th. The resident State Attorney for Kitgum and Lamwo districts, Ssozi Yusuf, informed the court that investigations were still ongoing.
Additional Suspects
Another suspect, Obalim Richard Omoo, the Chairperson of Padibe Town Council, is still at large. Alongside Ocen, Omoo is accused of conspiring to defraud the government of three vehicles by falsely claiming they were being taken for repairs.
Statements from Authorities
The operation and subsequent arrest were part of ongoing efforts by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to combat fraud and corruption in government institutions.
Magistrate Vicent Oonyu emphasized the seriousness of the charges and the commitment of the judicial system to address corruption. “Obtaining goods by false pretence is a serious offense that undermines public trust and the integrity of government operations,” Oonyu remarked.
Summary Table of Key Information:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Accused | Oyet Sisto Ocen, Chairperson of Lamwo District |
| Location of Remand | Kitgum Central Prison |
| Key Charges | Obtaining goods by false pretence, obtaining money by false pretence, conspiracy to commit a felony, conspiracy to defraud |
| Alleged Fraud Amount | 2,910,000 Ugandan Shillings |
| Vehicles Involved | Toyota Hilux Pickup (UG 0445M), Toyota Hilux (white, numberless), Land Cruiser (white, numberless) |
| Court Session Date | July 3rd, 2024 |
| Next Court Appearance | July 18th, 2024 |
| Additional Suspects | Obalim Richard Omoo (still at large) |
