Tochi irrigation scheme serves 52 farmers amid extortion, abuse allegations

28 August 2026, 1:21 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

Oyam District Council has instituted an ad hoc committee to investigate allegations of abuse, mismanagement and corruption within the Tochi Irrigation Scheme.

The scheme, which was originally designed to benefit more than 1,200 farmers, has reportedly failed to meet expectations, with only 52 farmers currently engaged amid concerns over poor leadership and exploitation.

The committee is chaired by Chris Ongom, LC5 Councillor for Acaba Sub-county, and includes Nelson Oloa, LC5 Councillor for Myene, and Conny Atoo Ogwang, LC5 Councillor for Oyam Town Council.

The committee’s mandate is to examine the management, utilisation and accountability of the scheme, particularly allegations that farmers are being charged exorbitant fees for tractor services despite the equipment being government-owned. The committee is expected to present its findings within one month, with recommendations to guide further action.

Speaker of Oyam District Council, Hon. Easy Bash Machar, criticised the state of the scheme, describing it as a breeding ground for corruption and exploitation.

He noted that despite the Government allocating Shs40 billion to the project, its infrastructure remains in poor condition, with water channels neglected and flooding reportedly affecting the scheme.

Machar vowed to continue speaking out against the challenges faced by the people of Oyam until accountability is restored.

Hamad Saidi Otim, LC5 Councillor for Minakulu Town Council, raised further concerns about alleged extortion, saying farmers are being charged more than Shs250,000 for services.

He also accused scheme leaders of diverting resources, including nine tonnes of rice distributed under Operation Wealth Creation, which he alleged ended up benefiting leaders instead of farmers.

Nelson Oloa, LC5 Councillor for Myene, supported the investigation but cautioned against making immediate changes to the scheme’s leadership before the inquiry is completed.

He said farmers are facing serious challenges that must be addressed through evidence-based reforms.

Committee Chairperson Chris Ongom pledged to conduct a thorough fact-finding exercise. He said the report would be presented to the district leadership and shared with Members of Parliament to facilitate possible intervention by the central government.

Ongom promised transparency and accountability throughout the investigation, noting that the scheme’s reported failure has left farmers disillusioned and economically disadvantaged.