Former Arua LCV chairperson, son remanded over abuse of office, theft

What the report says

Former Arua District Local Government chairperson Alfred Okuonzi and his son, Stephen Pariyo, have been remanded to Luzira Prison after appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court in a case involving alleged abuse of office and theft. Principal Magistrate Christopher Opit read the charges to them, and both denied the allegations, according to Watchdog Uganda.

The Inspectorate of Government says Okuonzi is accused of improperly taking control of a district motorcycle, registration number UFA 401N, while serving as district chairperson and refusing to hand it over to the Chief Administrative Officer. The vehicle is said to have been donated to Arua District Local Government by the Norwegian Refugee Council. Prosecutors allege that his actions were prejudicial to the interests of the Government of Uganda because the asset was kept under his control instead of being returned to the district administration.

Pariyo faces the same case, with prosecutors alleging that he and his father fraudulently took the motorcycle without any lawful claim and intended to permanently deprive the district of its property. The court scheduled the pair to return on November 10, 2026, for a bail application hearing. The case reflects the Inspectorate of Government’s ongoing role in pursuing corruption-related offences and alleged misuse of public office in local government.