OTUKE DISTRICT, UGANDA – Three individuals were arraigned before the Otuke Magistrates Court on Wednesday, facing serious charges related to the theft of millions meant for cattle compensation victims, predominantly the elderly, in a sophisticated fraud scheme.
The suspects, identified as Obua Denith, Okeng Joel, and Ayo Jonan,were formally charged with Theft and Unlawful Possession of National Identification Cards belonging to other persons. The charges stem from a joint investigation conducted by anti corruption unit state house,Criminal Investigations Directorate of the Uganda Police Force and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP)
According to prosecution details presented in court, the fraud occurred during the registration process for government cattle compensation and the opening of bank accounts intended to receive the payments. The accused, allegedly working with others still at large, fraudulently obtained the bank account details of vulnerable victims,many of whom are elderly residents of Otuke District.
Prosecutors allege the group didn't just steal the money; they took control of the victims' financial lifelines. After illicitly obtaining the victims' bank details during the registration phase, the accused took over operation of these accounts.When the government deposited the compensation funds, the suspects allegedly siphoned off the money, deliberately denying the rightful beneficiaries access to their own accounts and the compensation they were owed. The victims were reportedly kept in the dark and blocked from accessing their funds.
Preliminary investigations reveal that the scam has resulted in the theft of over UGX 500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million Uganda Shillings) intended for the compensation of cattle losses in the district. Authorities emphasized that this figure represents the current understanding, and investigations are still actively ongoing,suggesting the total amount stolen could potentially rise as more evidence is uncovered and more victims are identified.
The three accused persons appeared before the Otuke Magistrate on Wednesday. They were charged, read their rights, and subsequently remanded into custody. The court ordered that they remain in prison until July 22, 2025 when they are scheduled to return for mention of their case and potentially further legal proceedings, including the hearing of any bail applications.
The collaborative effort leading to the arraignment was highlighted by the involved agencies. AntiGraft-State house,CID, and the ODPP reaffirmed their commitment to combating corruption and financial crimes targeting vulnerable populations. They urged the public, especially those involved in compensation programs, to safeguard their personal documents and bank details vigilantly and to report any suspicious activity immediately.
The case has sent shockwaves through Otuke District, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly beneficiaries in large-scale government compensation programs and the lengths to which fraudsters will go to exploit them. The remand of the three suspects marks a significant step, but authorities continue to hunt for their alleged accomplices still at large.
