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Three Anaka town agents go into hiding over fake tax receipts
The suspects have been identified as Tito Okello, the town agent for Ceke Ward, Tonny Okello of Ogom Ward, and Simon Obwona of Akago Ward.
Police investigations are ongoing as authorities continue searching for the three suspended town agents. (File photo)
By: Christopher Nyeko, Journalist @New Vision
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Three town agents attached to Anaka Town Council in Nwoya District are on the run after being reported to police over allegations of corruption involving the issuance of fake receipts to taxpayers.
The suspects have been identified as Tito Okello, the town agent for Ceke Ward, Tonny Okello of Ogom Ward, and Simon Obwona of Akago Ward.
According to Denis Okema, the Anaka town council chairperson, the controversy emerged in early May following the arrest of the Nwoya District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Jennipher Nantume, by officers from the Inspectorate of Government.
The matter came to light after the town clerk's office intensified revenue enforcement operations and closed several businesses belonging to traders accused of failing to pay taxes.
However, at least five traders whose shops had been closed presented receipts as proof of payment and challenged the enforcement action.
A verification exercise conducted by the enforcement team revealed that the QR codes on the receipts were not legitimate Integrated Revenue Administration System (IRAS) codes issued by Anaka Town Council.
"The team scanned the receipts and discovered that the QR codes were fake," Okema said.
Following the discovery, the town clerk's office summoned the three town agents, confiscated their work tools, and suspended them from duty pending investigations.
Anaka Town Council had projected to collect sh200 million in local revenue during the 2025/2026 financial year. However, officials said only about sh80 million has so far been collected, far below their expectations.
However, at least five traders whose shops had been closed presented receipts as proof of payment and challenged the enforcement action.
A verification exercise conducted by the enforcement team revealed that the QR codes on the receipts were not legitimate Integrated Revenue Administration System (IRAS) codes issued by Anaka Town Council.
"The team scanned the receipts and discovered that the QR codes were fake," Okema said.
Following the discovery, the town clerk's office summoned the three town agents, confiscated their work tools, and suspended them from duty pending investigations.
Anaka Town Council had projected to collect sh200 million in local revenue during the 2025/2026 financial year. However, officials said only about sh80 million has so far been collected, far below their expectations.
Authorities said the poor revenue performance prompted a review to establish the causes of the shortfall.
During a tax performance review meeting, the implicated agents reportedly attributed their poor revenue collection to their involvement in Parish Development Model (PDM) activities, which they said consumed much of their time.
The current Nwoya District CAO, David Madete, said the three officials have been summoned to appear before the district's rewards and sanctions committee but have failed to honour the summons.
"I formally summoned them to appear before the committee, but they have not turned up," Madete said.
Meanwhile, Nwoya Resident District Commissioner Christopher Omara has directed police to conduct thorough investigations into the alleged fraud and establish the amount of money that may have been embezzled.
Omara said the Government would not tolerate corruption and vowed that those found culpable would face the law. "We want investigations to establish the extent of the loss and ensure that anyone involved is held accountable," he said.
Okema noted that the suspected revenue leakages have severely affected service delivery in the town council, leaving authorities struggling to fund critical services such as waste collection, education and healthcare.
Police investigations are ongoing as authorities continue searching for the three suspended town agents.
During a tax performance review meeting, the implicated agents reportedly attributed their poor revenue collection to their involvement in Parish Development Model (PDM) activities, which they said consumed much of their time.
The current Nwoya District CAO, David Madete, said the three officials have been summoned to appear before the district's rewards and sanctions committee but have failed to honour the summons.
"I formally summoned them to appear before the committee, but they have not turned up," Madete said.
Meanwhile, Nwoya Resident District Commissioner Christopher Omara has directed police to conduct thorough investigations into the alleged fraud and establish the amount of money that may have been embezzled.
Omara said the Government would not tolerate corruption and vowed that those found culpable would face the law. "We want investigations to establish the extent of the loss and ensure that anyone involved is held accountable," he said.
Okema noted that the suspected revenue leakages have severely affected service delivery in the town council, leaving authorities struggling to fund critical services such as waste collection, education and healthcare.
Police investigations are ongoing as authorities continue searching for the three suspended town agents.