Acholi MCs and Panellists’ Presidential Grant sparks dispute over beneficiary selection

26 June 2026, 12:54 pm

By Isaac Olweny

A dispute has emerged over the distribution of the Presidential Grant for MCs and panellists in the Acholi Sub-region, with conflicting accounts from government officials and programme coordinators regarding the implementation of the UGX 100 million initiative.

Speaking during a live interview on Tembo FM on Friday morning, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Lamwo District, Mr Robinson Oyoo, maintained that the funds were distributed transparently and in accordance with programme guidelines. However, he criticised some MCs, accusing them of allowing political interests and personal ambitions to overshadow the exercise.

According to Mr Oyoo, the UGX 100 million grant was released in four phases, beginning with an initial disbursement of UGX 50 million. He said more than 30 beneficiaries from Kitgum District received grants ranging from UGX 1 million to UGX 2 million to either expand existing businesses or start new income-generating ventures aimed at improving their livelihoods.

However, Mr Benjamin Okene, popularly known as Abenj Papa and the designated coordinator for MCs and panellists in Kitgum District, disputed the Assistant RDC’s claims, alleging that the exercise was characterised by irregularities and a lack of transparency.

Mr Okene argued that while Mr Oyoo claimed over 30 people from Kitgum benefited, he personally distributed only 14 application forms. He alleged that the programme’s focal person took full control of the process, sidelining other coordinators and allowing individuals who had not officially applied to receive the funds.

“It is on record that I have the first payment vouchers, and they provide evidence against the claims being made,” Mr Okene said.

He further alleged that some funds may still remain undistributed, claiming that decision-making had become centralised under the focal person. According to Mr Okene, even Mr Sebastian Oswin Oguti attempted to intervene but later withdrew after finding that the programme was being run solely at the discretion of Mr Oyoo as the focal person for the entire Acholi Sub-region.

Mr Okene also claimed that some media personalities and MCs were initially excluded from the programme on allegations of opposing the government, although some were later reconsidered and eventually received funding.

Kilama Patrick, popularly known as MC Slender Boy, has confirmed allegations that the funds were allocated to individuals who were not the intended beneficiaries.

He questioned why applicants who were eventually rejected were required to pay both the application (PICK) fee and membership fees. He further alleged that approximately 80 per cent of those who received the funds are neither MCs nor panellists, raising concerns over the transparency and fairness of the allocation process.

In response, Mr Oyoo insisted that the Acholi Sub-region ranked among the best-performing regions in the implementation of the Presidential Grant, noting that funds were transferred directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts without delays. He added that monitoring visits had already been conducted to enterprises run by beneficiaries, including Ventoriono Otto and Fellistar Atim, where officials reportedly confirmed positive progress resulting from the initiative.

The differing accounts have raised fresh questions about the transparency and management of the Presidential Grant programme, with stakeholders calling for greater accountability and clarity regarding the selection of beneficiaries.

President Yoweri Museveni’s government introduced a Shs 11.1 billion economic empowerment fund targeting vulnerable groups, including Masters of Ceremonies (MCs), panel talk-show hosts, mechanics, and ghetto youth. The funds are structured as low-interest revolving loans through SACCOs rather than direct cash grants.