9 officials facing police inquiry over missing Alito compensation millions

18 August 2026, 6:15 pm

By Isaac Erick Odongo

KOLE — Police have summoned four LC2 chairpersons and five town council staff in Alito Town Council, Kole District, over the alleged siphoning of government war restocking compensation funds meant for conflict victims.

The nine officials face accusations of fraudulently using the identities of verified beneficiaries to draw compensation payouts without their knowledge or consent.

The scandal erupted during a community meeting at the Alito Town Council headquarters on Monday, August 17, where defrauded beneficiaries confronted local leadership over ghost payouts. Alito Town Council LC 111 chairperson Benedict Obote confirmed receiving formal complaints across all four wards involving at least 11 compromised payout files, noting that nine of those who improperly drew funds are government employees and three are non-residents.

A ward-by-ward breakdown reveals systematic irregularities across the entire urban council: in Tekidi Ward, Town Agent Dorcus Ekit and Veterinary Officer Emmanuel Enyabu allegedly withdrew funds using the names of absent beneficiaries Joshua Ogwang and Nancy Akello; in Owani-Adilo Ward, Town Clerk Rebecca Abonyo and Town Agent Okello Sam allegedly drew money using the names Timothy Odongo and Wilson Omongo respectively, while Grace Obote received just Shs 250,000 out of her Shs 5 million entitlement after Shs 4.75 million was diverted through Sarah Apio; in Akor Ward, CDO Mistika Atiti and Town Agent Patrick Otim reportedly collected payouts under the names Immaculate Anena and Awino Jenet; and in Bua-Tyeno Ward, Town Agent George Okello used the name Auma Anna, while Town Clerk Rebecca Abonyo faces a second charge for drawing funds under Akello Sophia.

All affected beneficiaries have denied authorizing any official to collect funds on their behalf. Mayor Obote condemned the racket and questioned the alleged involvement of former LC3 Chairperson Moses Ojok in facilitating suspicious payouts.

District Woman Councillor Tamali Auma and Bua-Tyeno Ward Councillor Charles Okello called for an immediate audit, full recovery of stolen funds, and protection for whistleblowers, noting that local leaders previously hesitated to speak out over fear of job loss.

The nine implicated officials have been given a five-day ultimatum to record statements at Kole Central Police Station.

The government restocking initiative was launched to compensate households across Lango, Acholi, and Teso sub-regions for livestock lost during past insurgencies, but the program remains plagued by administrative delays, paperwork hurdles, and corruption allegations.