Milton Odongo, the Pader RDC in his office while in Lira city. Photo file
Former Pader district chairperson aspirant was arrested from the district headquarters on allegations of extorting money from locals on Tuesday, 19th April 2022 following a tip-off from one of the victims who reported that the crew was collecting money for fresh registration of Acholi war debt claimants in the sub-counties of Acholibur, Anagagura, Pukor, and Acholibur town council.
The arrested suspects include; Julius Oleke, former Pader LC V aspirant who aspired as an independent candidate, Reverend Caeser Olobo, Mathew Oboke, Phillip Okeny, BD Odwar, and Fredrick Opiyo, all in custody in Pader central police station.
Diana Latigi, a resident of Lapina Te bung village, Pukor parish, Pukor sub-county in Pader district and a victim of the extortion, reported the group to Resident District Commissioner’s office after she was asked to produce her bank statements so that can get payment plus the Ugx. 400,000.
Milton Odongo, the Pader resident district commissioner confirmed the arrest and said that the suspects were asking for national identification cards, Ugx. 400,000 that they claim it’s for radio announcement and registration. He added that they were asking for bank details, hence making people suspicious of them.
Odongo added that these arrested groups are factions of the former Noah Opwonya’s group who were paid 5billion on 31st July 2010, and embezzled the money.
“This group was not happy because of the direct payments to the affected individuals by the government,” Odongo added.
Milton further urged the local community to be vigilant and avoid giving money without proper clarity from the responsible officials in the district headquarters.
Galdino Moro Okello, the retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Uganda, and currently heading the compensation team said that he does not know the team collecting money from locals and nobody was directed to do so.
Okello added that the government is the one in charge of payments to the Acholi war debt claimants' beneficiaries. He says they are yet to wait for a clear report from the Attorney General’s office on when to start payment upon receiving the dummy cheque.
The total amount of money was not verified by the security as the investigation into the matter looms.
Uganda President, H.E Yoweri Museveni Kaguta launched the compensation of the war claimants from Soroti on the 26th March 2022.
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