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Former Arua LCV boss, son remanded over theft of government motorcycle
The theft charge, contrary to Sections 237 and 242 of the Penal Code Act, carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment upon conviction, while abuse of office elicits a seven-year jail term.
Okuonzi, 58, and Pariyo, 32, today (October 3, 2026) appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court Principal Magistrate Christopher Opit, where they denied charges of abuse of office and theft.
By: Michael Odeng and Sophia Kagoya, Journalists @New Vision
KAMPALA - Former Arua district LCV Chairperson Alfred Okuonzi and his son, Stephen Pariyo, have been remanded to Luzira Prison over allegations of stealing a motorcycle donated to the district by the Norwegian Refugee Council.
Okuonzi, 58, and Pariyo, 32, today (October 3, 2026) appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court Principal Magistrate Christopher Opit, where they denied charges of abuse of office and theft.
While Okuonzi is facing the two charges, his son's file has one charge of theft.
The theft charge, contrary to Sections 237 and 242 of the Penal Code Act, carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment upon conviction, while abuse of office elicits a seven-year jail term.
The prosecution, led by Inspectorate of Government prosecutor Raphael Pappali, informed the court that investigations into the matter were in their final stages and asked for an adjournment to another date for mention.
“I pray that the matter be adjourned to another date to allow the Inspectorate to conclude its investigations,” he submitted.
Magistrate Opit informed the accused persons of their right to apply for bail but indicated that the application would not be heard on the day of their appearance.
“Under the law, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty or until you plead guilty,” the magistrate told the accused, citing the relevant legal provisions.
The prosecution, led by Inspectorate of Government prosecutor Raphael Pappali, informed the court that investigations into the matter were in their final stages and asked for an adjournment to another date for mention.
“I pray that the matter be adjourned to another date to allow the Inspectorate to conclude its investigations,” he submitted.
Magistrate Opit informed the accused persons of their right to apply for bail but indicated that the application would not be heard on the day of their appearance.
“Under the law, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty or until you plead guilty,” the magistrate told the accused, citing the relevant legal provisions.
The two were subsequently remanded until November 10, 2026, when the court is expected to hear Okuonzi’s bail application.
Prosecution’s allegations
According to the prosecution, between January and May 2026, Okuonzi, while serving as Arua District LCV chairperson, allegedly abused his office by irregularly taking charge of a motorcycle donated by the Norwegian Refugee Council to the district local government.
He is accused of refusing to hand over the motorcycle, registration number UFA 401N, to the Chief Administrative Officer, an act the prosecution contends was prejudicial to the interests of the Government.
The prosecution further alleges that between April and October 2026, Okuonzi and his son fraudulently took and retained the motorcycle without any lawful claim of ownership, intending to permanently deprive Arua District Local Government of the property.
Prosecution’s allegations
According to the prosecution, between January and May 2026, Okuonzi, while serving as Arua District LCV chairperson, allegedly abused his office by irregularly taking charge of a motorcycle donated by the Norwegian Refugee Council to the district local government.
He is accused of refusing to hand over the motorcycle, registration number UFA 401N, to the Chief Administrative Officer, an act the prosecution contends was prejudicial to the interests of the Government.
The prosecution further alleges that between April and October 2026, Okuonzi and his son fraudulently took and retained the motorcycle without any lawful claim of ownership, intending to permanently deprive Arua District Local Government of the property.