Kole Police Probe Restocking Funds Irregularities, 19 Arrested
By Okidi Patrick Ocamoyitdyel
Kole–Police in Kole District have opened investigations into alleged irregularities in the disbursement of cattle restocking funds.
The North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, said a General Enquiry File No. GEF 016/2026 was formally registered at Kole Central Police Station on September 21, 2026, at 8:00am.
According to police, the alleged irregularities occurred between June and July 2026.
Preliminary findings indicate that some staff of Kole District Local Government received Shs5m each, money that was meant for beneficiaries of the cattle restocking programme.
The information was received through the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), leading to the arrest of the suspects.
19 Suspects in Custody
Police said 19 suspects are currently detained at Kole Central Police Station as investigations continue. They are:
- Okello James
- Okello Sam
- Owera Bonny
- Okello George
- Ongom Moses
- Oloro Geoffrey
- Odia Francis
- Oyongo Moses
- Adong Janet
- Ayuru Rebecca
- Opio Sam
- Engabu Emmanuel
- Odongo Daniel
- Odongo Fredrick
- Ayo Naume
- Abonyo Rebecca
- Ekit Dorcus
- Ann Jennifer Mistia
- Oding Bonny
SP Patrick Jimmy Okema said Shs5m has so far been recovered from one of the suspects.
He added that investigations have established that some of the suspects brought relatives from other districts who received money on their behalf.
“The files shall be compiled and submitted to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and legal guidance once investigations are complete,” SP Okema added.
Okema cautioned local government leaders against undermining government programmes.
“We want to send a strong warning to local government leadership to avoid playing with government programmes. Anyone involved will be apprehended and charged before courts of law,” he said.
Investigations are ongoing as many people are also eager to wait for Minister of local Government Balam Ateenyi to arrest more suspects in other Department in Kole District Local government.
IN SUMMARY:
Police in Kole District have arrested 19 people, including district staff, over alleged diversion of cattle restocking funds.
Police say the suspects received Shs5m each meant for beneficiaries between June-July 2026. Shs5m has been recovered.
GEF 016/2026 is under investigation at Kole CPS. File to be sent to RSA for guidance.
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