LC1 chair, two others arrested over theft of govt mosquito nets

___________________

Police in Lira city have arrested a Local Council 1 chairperson and two women over the alleged theft of government-issued mosquito nets meant for free community distribution, raising fresh concerns about the misuse of public health resources.

According to Patrick Jimmy Okema, the police public relations officer for the North Kyoga region, the case was reported on January 31, 2026, at about 9:00am at Lira City West Division. The theft is alleged to have occurred at Junior Quarters A cell in the same division.

The complainant, Sam Okello, a 50-year-old civil servant and resident of Kichope cell in Odokomit ward, told police that a bale containing 50 mosquito nets, property of the Government of Uganda, had gone missing.

The nets had been temporarily stored at Lira Police Primary School as they awaited distribution to residents of Junior Quarters cell under a Ministry of Health community programme.

Police allege that James Okori, 49, a carpenter and LC1 chairperson of Junior Quarters cell, together with Jane Awor, 38, and Annette Tino, 29, both self-employed residents of the same area, unlawfully took the bale of mosquito nets and kept it under unclear circumstances.

“Upon receipt of the complaint, police conducted searches at the residences of the suspects where the stolen mosquito nets were recovered,” Okema said.

He added that the scene of crime was visited and documented, exhibits were properly recovered, and statements recorded from relevant witnesses. The suspects were subsequently arrested and detained to assist with ongoing investigations.

Preliminary findings confirm that the recovered mosquito nets are government property intended for free distribution to the community. Police say inquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the theft and to determine whether other individuals may have been involved.

“We appeal to our local leaders to respect and stop undermining government programmes,” Okema noted. “Once investigations are complete, files will be compiled and submitted to the Resident Chief State Attorney (RCSA) for perusal and legal guidance.”

The incident comes at a time when the Ministry of Health, with support from partners including the Global Fund, is implementing a nationwide campaign to distribute long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets to combat malaria.

The fifth mass distribution campaign, which began in January 2026, targets universal household coverage following reports of more than 16 million malaria cases in Uganda in 2023.

The stolen mosquito nets were part of a government health intervention aimed at protecting vulnerable communities from malaria through free distribution at the grassroots level.