Amolatar corruption scandal exposes alleged betrayal of elderly woman with disability

28 August 2026, 8:37 am

By Sarah Ejang

A corruption scandal in Amolatar Town Council has sparked public concern after a police investigation found that an 83-year-old woman with a disability was allegedly removed from the beneficiary list of a government cattle restocking programme.

Adongo Magret, who uses a wheelchair, was reportedly approved to receive support under the programme. However, investigators allege that local officials deliberately removed her name and shared the funds among themselves and a former military officer.

The investigation also uncovered alleged self-vetting and conflicts of interest within the local beneficiary selection committee.

The LC2 Chairperson allegedly diverted programme funds to his wife, while the Trading Centre Cell LC1 Chairperson, Okello Thomas, reportedly vetted himself as a beneficiary.

The Chairperson of the Elders was also accused of selecting himself as a beneficiary.

Investigators further allege that the committee fraudulently approved Jimmy Ocen, a UPDF deserter, by falsely describing him as an “unskilled youth”.

The findings were presented during a community dialogue held on 25 August 2026 at Amolatar Town Council. The dialogue was organised by Amolatar District Local Government to assess service delivery and establish how government programmes are being implemented at community level.

The committee’s actions were reportedly compounded by the absence of a lawful quorum. Key oversight representatives, including the Chairperson for Persons with Disabilities and the Women’s League representative, were allegedly excluded from the process.

As the implicated officials continue to face scrutiny, Amolatar Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Obonyo Magwar has led a grassroots effort to restore Magret’s dignity.

With support from well-wishers, Magwar has raised emergency funds to repair her broken wheelchair, renovate her dilapidated home and improve her daily meals. Plans are also underway to provide her with a monthly caregiver.

Residents are now calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all officials implicated in the alleged diversion of funds.

They say accountability is essential not only to secure justice for Magret, but also to protect vulnerable citizens from abuse of public programmes.