Theft of older persons money: Tororo CDO, bank official charged

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A community development officer attached to Tororo district local government has been remanded to prison over alleged theft of social protection money for the elderly amounting to sh57m.

Through the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment (SAGE), the Uganda government gives out a monthly stipend of sh25,000 to persons aged above 80 years.

The social protection handout is distributed on a quarterly basis, which means beneficiaries receive sh75,000 every round.

But in 2023, this vital handout meant for the beneficiaries in the sub-counties of Nagongera, Paya, Iyolwa, Pajwenda, Nabuyoga, Mulanda Molo, Magola and Sopsop in Tororo district and Busitema and Sikuda sub-counties in Busia district, was allegedly swindled.

The two people accused of stealing this money (sh57m) are Tororo CDO David Asangai and Josephine Naluyima, a teller attached to Centenary Bank.

They allegedly committed the crime between September 25 and October 6 in 2023.

Asangai and Naluyima were tracked and arrested by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit personnel who aided their prosecutions.

They were on Wednesday (March 5) jointly charged with two counts of theft and conspiracy to commit a felony, at Tororo Chief Magistrate Court.

Naluyima was not in court presided over by Principal Grade One Magistrate Elijah Irudukunda.

Asangai pleaded not guilty to the two counts and was remanded to Morukatipe Prison until March 19 when he will return to court for further mention.

The two individuals were tracked and arrested by the state house anti-corruption unit personnel who aided their prosecutions.

Prosecution led by the Senior State Attorney Ann Ntambi told the court that inquiries into the matter were complete and requested the court to summon Naluyima.

The magistrate issued criminal summons for the co-accused to appear in court to answer to the charges.