Three Lamwo officials arrested over alleged diversion of restocking cash
Those arrested are: David Kidega, the Anaka Parish chief; Santos Ayella, the former chairperson of Anaka Parish; and Patick Odongtoo, the Parish Chief of Moroto Parish; all located within Palabek Gem sub-county.
Police officers escort Kidega David after his arrest over alleged mismanagement of restocking funds in Palabek Gem Sub-county, Lamwo District. (Photos by Vincent Kaguta)
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The Government’s livestock restocking programme in Lamwo district has come under scrutiny after local officials in Palabek Gem sub-county were accused of taking millions of shillings belonging to vulnerable beneficiaries.
The allegations prompted Lamwo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) William Komakech to order the arrest of three officials and direct investigations into the management of funds disbursed under the programme.
Those arrested are: David Kidega, the Anaka Parish chief; Santos Ayella, the former chairperson of Anaka Parish; and Patick Odongtoo, the Parish Chief of Moroto Parish; all located within Palabek Gem sub-county.
Odongtoo reportedly failed to attend a meeting convened by the RDC to address the complaints surrounding the programme.
The Government restocking programme is intended to help vulnerable households rebuild their livelihoods through livestock ownership.
According to Komakech, each selected beneficiary receives Sh5m, which should be used to acquire five cattle (three cows and two bulls). He said beneficiaries should retain control of the money and make their own purchases in line with government guidelines.
Police officers escort Ayella Santos following her arrest 
The RDC's intervention followed complaints from beneficiaries, who alleged that some local officials had taken control of their money.
One beneficiary, Richard Ocitti, reportedly told authorities that Kidega took sh2m from the money he had received under the programme.
Kidega was subsequently arrested and detained at Palabek Gem Police Post. He later reportedly returned the sh2m to Ocitti, after which he was released.
Komakech directed that any money taken from beneficiaries should be recovered and returned to them. He said beneficiaries should not be compelled to surrender their funds to local leaders, even where officials claim they are helping them acquire livestock.
The controversy has also raised questions about how some beneficiaries’ funds were allegedly spent. Kenneth Okema, the chairperson of Lakaramar Village in Moroto Parish, alleged that a parish official took control of a beneficiary’s money and used it to purchase three cattle.
He said the family was given sh900,000 after the cattle were purchased, while an ox-plough was allegedly bought for Sh400,000. However, Okema alleged that part of the money remained unaccounted for.
Police investigations are expected to establish the amount of money received, how it was spent and whether the purchases complied with the official restocking guidelines.
The conduct and availability of some parish chiefs has also come under scrutiny. Dan Fred Anywar, the chairperson of Palabek Gem Sub-county, said local leaders had raised concerns with the sub-county executive over the conduct of some officials involved in implementing government programmes.
He said officials should remain available in their areas of responsibility to serve communities and coordinate government programmes.
Lamwo District registered 516 beneficiaries during the first phase of the restocking programme. The initiative is intended to strengthen household livelihoods by enabling vulnerable families to acquire livestock and build household assets.