Bukedea Cattle Scheme Plagued by Fraud and Fund Diversion

A government initiative aimed at restocking cattle in Bukedea District, valued at Shs5 million per beneficiary, is reportedly mired in controversy. Issues ranging from recycled telephone numbers to alleged fund diversion and extortion have surfaced, casting a shadow over the program’s implementation.

District officials highlighted a critical problem where mobile telephone numbers used during beneficiary registration have since been sold to new subscribers. This has created a significant hurdle for legitimate beneficiaries attempting to access their funds, as bank accounts are linked to these reallocated numbers. The district focal person, Mr. Elimu Emmanuel, stated that seven beneficiaries are currently struggling to retrieve their money due to this issue, and efforts to resolve it with the bank and telecom providers are ongoing.

Adding to the concerns, allegations of extortion have also emerged. The Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Mr. Arafat Oyo, reported seven such cases, including one instance where an intermediary allegedly withheld Shs500,000 from a Shs5 million payout. The accused intermediary has reportedly been arrested.

Further irregularities include concerns about the selection of beneficiaries, with accusations that some families have unfairly benefited multiple times. Bukedea County MP David Beecham Okwere has called for an investigation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit into these selection practices.

Beyond financial and administrative issues, there are reports that some beneficiaries are not using the funds for their intended purpose of purchasing cattle. While most are acquiring livestock, a few have allegedly invested the money in small businesses or purchased items like radios and solar equipment. Minister of State for Economic Monitoring, Ms. Sandra Santa Alum, sternly warned beneficiaries against diverting the funds, emphasizing that the program’s goal is to rebuild livestock assets and livelihoods. She stressed that the Shs5 million is meant for acquiring five cattle per household and urged for renewed sensitization to ensure the program meets its objectives.

Source: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/news/national/fraud-fund-diversion-hit-bukedea-cattle-scheme-5589936