Police in Kole District have arrested 19 people over alleged irregularities in the disbursement of funds under the government cattle-restocking programme.
The suspects are Okello James, Okello Sam, Owera Bonny, Okello George, Ongom Moses, Oloro Geoffrey, Odia Francis, Oyongo Moses, Adong Janet, Ayuru Rebecca, Opio Sam, Engabu Emmanuel, Odongo Daniel, Odongo Fredrick, Ayo Naume, Abonyo Rebecca, Ekit Dorcus, Ann Jennifer Mistia and Oding Bonny.
They are being held at Kole Central Police Station as investigations continue under General Enquiry File (GEF) 016/2026.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson SP Patrick Jimmy Okema said the alleged irregularities occurred between June and July 2026, although the matter was formally reported to police on September 21.
Preliminary findings indicate that some of the suspects, who are employees of Kole District Local Government, allegedly received Sh5 million each meant for beneficiaries of the cattle-restocking programme.
Police said Sh5 million has so far been recovered from one of the suspects.
Okema said investigators also established that some suspects allegedly brought relatives from other districts to receive the funds on their behalf.
He said the suspects’ files would be compiled and submitted to the Resident State Attorney for perusal and legal guidance once investigations are complete.
Police have cautioned local government officials against interfering with government programmes, warning that anyone found culpable will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.