Parish chief, LC2 chairperson arrested over PDM extortion in Apac

4 June 2025, 11:02 am

By Abili Isaac Newton

Police in Apac district have arrested Fred Ocepa, the Parish Chief of Kungu parish, and Obote Benson, the LC2 Chairperson of the same parish, over allegations of extorting money from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) program.

Their arrest was ordered by Apac Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Joan Apio, during a community meeting held on Monday involving local leaders and residents.

The directive followed multiple reports that individuals spearheading the PDM program were demanding money from locals in exchange for facilitating their access to program benefits.

According to reports, Ocepa and Obote allegedly colluded with certain PDM SACCO leaders to charge a registration fee of Shs20,000 from prospective beneficiaries.

Additionally, Scovia Ajungu, a resident of Te-alal, claimed the duo convened a meeting with locals yet to benefit from the program and demanded Shs 50,000 from each person, promising faster access to PDM funds.

While denying the extortion allegations, Ocepa admitted to only receiving money from locals—Shs3,000 for buying files, Shs5,000 for passport-sized photographs, and another Shs5,000 for helping to fill in business plan documents. He further claimed that some locals offered him bribes unsolicited.

Ebony Ouru, the Apac District Commercial Officer, condemned the alleged extortion, saying such practices were undermining the implementation of the PDM initiative.

Janet Odongo, the Principal Private Secretary in Apac, issued a stern warning against civil servants engaging in corruption, especially within government programs.

Following the directive from the Deputy RDC, both Ocepa and Obote were arrested and detained at Apac Central Police Station (CPS) pending further investigations.