OTUKE, UGANDA– Three suspects, including a politician, a local council chairperson, and a soldier, were arraigned before the Otuke Magistrate’s Court this afternoon over the alleged theft of over UGX 1.5 billion (approximately $400,000 USD / 1,500,000,000 Shillings) meant to compensate elderly victims of past conflicts.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working alongside the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), presented the accused:
1. Akasa Jimmy Mokili: A politician and businessman from Agago District.
2. Okengo Jaspher:The LCIII Chairperson of Ogor Sub-county, Otuke District.
3. Sgt. Amoni Benz (alias Okengo Bonny): A soldier serving with the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).
They face charges of Theft and Conspiracy to Defraud beneficiaries of the Northern Uganda cattle compensation programme.
Exploiting the Vulnerable
Investigations reveal a disturbing scheme targeting elderly individuals who lost their livestock during two traumatic periods: the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency and the Karamoja cattle raids, specifically within Otuke District. The compensation programme was designed to aid these vulnerable victims.
According to investigators, the accused, along with other accomplices still at large, manipulated the programme’s registration and bank account opening process. They fraudulently obtained victims’ banking details. Once in control of the accounts, they allegedly siphoned off government compensation funds deposited for the beneficiaries.
The theft occurred largely without the victims’ knowledge. In some instances, investigators found that the victims were given only a small fraction of the compensation money they were entitled to, while the bulk was withdrawn by the suspects.
While the charges currently relate to the theft of UGX 1.5 billion within Otuke District alone, authorities indicate this case is likely just the tip of the iceberg. Similar fraudulent activities targeting the cattle compensation scheme are reportedly under investigation in several other districts across the Lango, Acholi, and Teso sub-regions.
The Otuke Magistrate remanded all three suspects into custody until August 19, 2025, as investigations continue to apprehend the remaining suspects and uncover the full extent of the fraud network.
