Three Kaberamaido Officials Arrested Over Alleged Extortion in Cattle Restocking Programme

What the report says

Three Kaberamaido District officials in eastern Uganda have been arrested in connection with allegations of extortion, bribery, nepotism and abuse of office tied to the government’s cattle restocking programme in Palataw Parish, Alwa Sub-county, according to Dokolo Post. The suspects are Kenneth Eyoru, the Gombolola Internal Security Officer; Kalvin Eyamu, the Sub-county Chief; and Robert Elwayu, the Parish Chief.

The arrests followed a community accountability meeting called after residents complained about alleged irregularities in choosing beneficiaries. The meeting brought together district security and administrative leaders, including the Resident District Commissioner, assistant RDC, internal security officials, the CAO’s representative, the LCIII chairperson, local leaders and community members. Residents reportedly said officials asked for money from intended beneficiaries, favored relatives, and did not hold the required community vetting meeting.

Dokolo Post reported that two beneficiaries also said they were asked for kickbacks after receiving cattle, while other residents told leaders that vulnerable households were being charged for access to a programme meant to be free. The LCII chairperson was also said to have accused the sub-county and parish chiefs of misleading him during implementation.

Security officials have opened a General Inquiry File, and the three officials were moved from CID in Alwa Sub-county to Kaberamaido Central Police Station for further investigation. District authorities said any officer found to have extorted money or manipulated beneficiary lists should be prosecuted. The case matters because the programme is meant to support household incomes and broader livelihood recovery.