Soroti Leaders Recover Shs5 Million Misappropriated from Cattle Restocking Beneficiary

By Peterson Hiirya.

The Office of the LC5 Chairperson of Soroti District, working jointly with the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), has recovered Shs5 million that was allegedly misappropriated from a beneficiary of a government cattle restocking programme.

The recovered funds belonged to Ms. Betty Akajo, a resident of Oregia Parish in Asuret Sub-county, and were reportedly taken by her uncle, Mr. Jackson Ogwaya, who was subsequently arrested and detained at Katine Police Station.

Soroti District Resident District Commissioner, Hajji Imran Muluga, confirmed that the money had been recovered and handed over to his office pending completion of administrative procedures before it is officially returned to the rightful beneficiary.

Muluga commended the coordinated efforts of district leaders and security agencies, emphasizing the commitment of the Soroti District Security Committee to protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation.

“The Soroti District Security Committee is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that cases of corruption and related crimes, especially those targeting vulnerable people, are thoroughly investigated and the perpetrators brought to justice,” Muluga said.

He noted that the recovered funds will be handed over to Akajo in the presence of district leaders, security officials, and members of the media to ensure transparency and accountability.

According to Muluga, the suspect is expected to be released after due legal processes are completed, with authorities prioritizing the recovery of the stolen funds and restitution to the victim.

Soroti District LC5 Chairperson, Bob Owiny, said district leaders intervened after learning that funds intended to improve the beneficiary’s livelihood had allegedly been diverted.

“Our main objective was to ensure that the money was recovered and returned to the rightful owner. We are pleased that the full amount has been recovered, and once the required procedures are completed, it will be handed back to the beneficiary,” Owiny said.

Meanwhile, Soroti District Council Speaker and Councillor representing Asuret Sub-county, David Agwanyi, urged residents to exercise caution when handling personal documents such as national identity cards.

He warned that entrusting sensitive documents to other individuals can expose beneficiaries of government programmes to fraud and abuse.

Agwanyi also called for reconciliation within the affected family, noting that the complainant and the suspect are close relatives whose relationship should be restored once the matter is resolved.

An emotional Betty Akajo thanked the district leadership and security authorities for their efforts in recovering her money. She said she had forgiven her uncle and appealed for his release, stressing the importance of maintaining family unity despite the dispute.

The recovered Shs5 million was part of a government cattle restocking initiative aimed at boosting household incomes and improving livelihoods among vulnerable communities in Soroti District.

District leaders said the case serves as a warning to individuals who seek to exploit beneficiaries of government programmes and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that public resources reach the intended recipients.