national 17 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Otuke Councillor Wanted for Allegedly Stealing Grandmother's Shs5 Million Cattle Compensation
State Minister for Economic Monitoring, Sandra Santa Alum, has ordered the arrest of an Otuke District councillor accused of embezzling Shs5 million intended for his 112-year-old grandmother under a government cattle restocking program. The councillor allegedly used his position as next of kin to claim the funds and then fled. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/otuke-councillor-flees-with-grandmother-s-shs5m-cattle-compensation-5598850
A grave accusation has emerged from Otuke District, where a local councillor is reportedly on the run after allegedly absconding with Shs5 million meant for his elderly grandmother. The funds were part of a government cattle restocking program designed to support vulnerable individuals.
State Minister for Economic Monitoring, Sandra Santa Alum, issued a stern directive for the immediate arrest of Christopher Atiko, the councillor for Alangor sub-county. The directive came after Lamex Okello, a relative of the beneficiary, Joyce Awenyi, brought the matter to light during the minister’s oversight visit.
Okello explained that due to Awenyi’s advanced age of 112 years, relatives typically manage her documentation and transactions related to government programs. He stated that Atiko, along with the Agweng parish chief, approached him to hand over Awenyi’s national identity card and other documents, claiming he needed them to register as the next of kin.
Following his registration as the next of kin, Atiko allegedly proceeded to collect the Shs5 million compensation. Okello reported that immediately after receiving the funds, the councillor disappeared, reportedly heading to Kampala. The matter was subsequently reported to the Resident District Commissioner, leading to the opening of a case at Otuke Central Police Station.
Minister Alum expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting the vulnerability of the elderly beneficiary and the betrayal by a local leader. She emphasized that security agencies are tasked with locating Atiko, recovering the embezzled funds, and ensuring he faces legal consequences. The minister also noted a separate, unconfirmed allegation that Atiko might have previously taken Shs30 million intended for Awenyi from an earlier cattle compensation program.
Additionally, Minister Alum addressed concerns about potential misuse of the Parish Development Model funds, specifically mentioning an alleged practice where individuals rent out their national identity cards to others to access the program’s benefits. She ordered a crackdown on this practice as well, aiming to ensure government support reaches its intended recipients.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)