News
Soroti LC2 boss accused of extorting sh2m from cattle restocking beneficiary
The arrest comes as beneficiaries in the Teso, Lango and Acholi sub-regions begin receiving funds under the initiative promised by President Yoweri Museveni last year. Under the first phase of the programme, each beneficiary is entitled to sh5 million.
Suspect Johnson Echau in police custody in Katine Central Police. (Courtesy Photo)
By: Godfrey Ojore, Journalist @New Vision
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An LC2 chairperson in Soroti district has been arrested over allegations of extorting sh2 million from a beneficiary of the government’s cattle restocking programme.
The arrest comes as beneficiaries in the Teso, Lango and Acholi sub-regions begin receiving funds under the initiative promised by President Yoweri Museveni last year. Under the first phase of the programme, each beneficiary is entitled to sh5 million.
The intervention is intended to revive the once-thriving cattle economy that was devastated by decades of insurgency and cattle rustling. For the 2025/2026 financial year, the government allocated sh80 billion to the programme.
More than 5,000 people in Teso have so far benefited from the programme. One of them, Julius Opita, 47, received his funds through mobile money in May.
However, Opita’s excitement was reportedly short-lived after his LC2 chairperson allegedly demanded a kickback of sh2 million, claiming he had facilitated his inclusion among the first beneficiaries.
In Soroti district, nine beneficiaries were selected from each of the 54 parishes. Johnson Echau, 52, the LC2 chairperson of Tubur cell in Central ward, Tubur town council, is accused of receiving sh2 million from Opita.
According to Opita, Echau collected his national identity card and mobile phone and travelled to Soroti Town to withdraw the funds on his behalf. He allegedly returned later and handed Opita sh3 million, informing him that the remaining sh2 million had been shared among individuals who assisted in his registration for the programme.
Dissatisfied with the explanation, Opita reported the matter to Soroti LC5 chairperson Bob Owiny, who alerted police.
“He disappeared from his home, and we have been looking for him until today (Monday, June 15), when we finally got him,” Owiny said.
However, Opita’s excitement was reportedly short-lived after his LC2 chairperson allegedly demanded a kickback of sh2 million, claiming he had facilitated his inclusion among the first beneficiaries.
In Soroti district, nine beneficiaries were selected from each of the 54 parishes. Johnson Echau, 52, the LC2 chairperson of Tubur cell in Central ward, Tubur town council, is accused of receiving sh2 million from Opita.
According to Opita, Echau collected his national identity card and mobile phone and travelled to Soroti Town to withdraw the funds on his behalf. He allegedly returned later and handed Opita sh3 million, informing him that the remaining sh2 million had been shared among individuals who assisted in his registration for the programme.
Dissatisfied with the explanation, Opita reported the matter to Soroti LC5 chairperson Bob Owiny, who alerted police.
“He disappeared from his home, and we have been looking for him until today (Monday, June 15), when we finally got him,” Owiny said.
Sources indicate that the suspect initially attempted to return the money through the mayor of Tubur Town Council. However, he was later advised to report to the LC5 office, where he was arrested by Soroti district police commander Moses Olang.
“He was arrested for alleged extortion and theft of sh2 million. The offence occurred in late May 2026, and the cash was recovered on June 13, 2026,” Olang said in a statement.
The suspect is currently being held at Katine Central Police Station under reference number GEF 004/2026 as investigations continue.
Owiny said his administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and abuse of public programmes.
“I come from Tubur, where this incident occurred. I will not forgive him; let the law take its course,” Owiny said.
Police have not yet confirmed when the suspect will be produced in court.
“He was arrested for alleged extortion and theft of sh2 million. The offence occurred in late May 2026, and the cash was recovered on June 13, 2026,” Olang said in a statement.
The suspect is currently being held at Katine Central Police Station under reference number GEF 004/2026 as investigations continue.
Owiny said his administration maintains a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and abuse of public programmes.
“I come from Tubur, where this incident occurred. I will not forgive him; let the law take its course,” Owiny said.
Police have not yet confirmed when the suspect will be produced in court.