Kitgum Police Arrest Man Over Viral Audio Targeting Acholi Paramount Chief

17 September 2026, 7:47 pm

By Isaac Olweny

KITGUM — Police in Kitgum District have arrested and detained a 34-year-old man over a viral social media audio recording in which he allegedly made false and inciting claims about the Paramount Chief of Ker Kwaro Acholi, Rwot David Onen Acana.

The suspect, Omony Alfred Okot, who describes himself as the chairman of Team No Sleep, is a resident of Ladot Onin in Kiteny Sub-county, Kitgum District.

Omony was arrested on Thursday afternoon after a five-minute audio recording he allegedly posted on social media circulated widely.

In the recording, Omony allegedly claimed that Rwot Onen Acana had connived with the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) to sell off Acholi land in parts of Kitgum, Lamwo, Pader, Agago and Abim for expansion and fencing of areas said to be part of Kidepo Valley National Park.

He further alleged that the Paramount Chief had recently visited Orom, where he purportedly communicated the alleged development to residents.

The suspect also linked the reported movement of elephants into community settlements to what he described as a manifestation of the alleged plan.

According to the audio, Omony claimed that residents in the areas he mentioned would eventually be required to vacate their land.

The claims have been disputed by officials of Ker Kal Kwaro Acholi, who say the Paramount Chief did not make the visit or statements attributed to him. The Prime Minister and spokesperson of Ker Kal Kwaro Acholi, Okello Okuna, confirmed that Omony had been identified and arrested, saying investigations into the matter were ongoing.

Okuna said Rwot David Onen Acana had not visited Orom, contrary to the claim contained in the audio describing the incident as particularly serious because, unlike some previous cases involving unverified uttered about the cultural institution, the latest allegations directly named the Paramount Chief.

Okuna said there had previously been cases involving claims concerning the institution, but the individuals involved had not directly attributed such allegations to the Paramount Chief to the extent seen in the latest recording.

He said such incidents had also reduced in recent times. According to Okuna, the Paramount Chief has continued to publicly speak and advocate for the interests of the Acholi people.

He urged young people to use smartphones and social media platforms responsibly and productively, warning against the circulation of information that may breach ethical standards or laws governing computer and social media use. Okuna also said Omony had reportedly admitted to using unverified information obtained from individuals whom he named during questioning.

He said the information could assist investigators in establishing the source and circumstances surrounding the allegations and could help authorities caution others against spreading unverified claims.

The Kitgum District Police Commander, IP Benedict Igama, separately confirmed the arrest.

Igama said the arrest should serve as a warning to individuals who use social media platforms to circulate information that could allegedly incite members of the public or undermine individuals and institutions.

Police have not yet announced the outcome of the investigation or any charges that may be preferred against the suspect.

Omony remains in police custody as investigations continue.