Four PDM Leaders Arrested in Lira City Over Alleged Theft of UGX 11 Million

LCC TV NEWS

LIRA CITY, UGANDA — Police at Ojwina Central Police Station have arrested four local Parish Development Model (PDM) leaders in connection with the alleged misappropriation of UGX 11 million intended for local beneficiaries in Jinja Camp Ward, Lira City West Division.

The arrests were executed following a high-level community meeting convened on Monday, July 20, 2026, by the Deputy Resident City Commissioner (RCC) for Lira City West Division, Joan Apio. The meeting, held at the division headquarters, brought together affected beneficiaries, local council members, and division officials to address growing concerns over missing government funds.

The Suspects and Key Allegations

Those currently held in police custody include:

• Harriet Aringo — Community Development Officer (CDO), Lira City West Division

• Beatrice Anyai — Town Agent, Jinja Camp Ward

• Doreen Adeo — Treasurer, Jinja Camp Ward SACCO

• Tonny Ogwal — Chairperson, Jinja Camp Ward SACCO

Police have also launched a manhunt for a fifth suspect, Felton Ogwal, the SACCO Secretary, who fled the scene and remains at large.

The suspects stand accused of illegally diverting UGX 11 million released by the Central Government to boost household incomes under the flagship Parish Development Model programme in Jinja Camp Ward.

Beneficiary Outcry Prompts Action

Deputy RCC Joan Apio stated that the administrative crackdown was triggered by a surge of formal complaints from registered beneficiaries who reported never receiving their allocated payouts despite official confirmation of fund releases.

"Investigations are actively ongoing. We will ensure that anyone found responsible for misusing public funds meant to uplift our communities is held fully accountable under the law," Apio emphasized.

Lira City West Division Mayor, Emmanuel Ebong Opeto, commended the security enforcement, assuring the public that the local administration would not protect anyone implicated in the theft.

"Our administration maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption," Mayor Opeto stated. "We urge all residents to remain vigilant and continue reporting any misuse of public resources."

Local leaders also voiced strong support for the swift police intervention. Vincent Kizito Odaga, Chairperson of Jinja Camp 'B' Cell, praised the Deputy RCC and law enforcement for listening to the community, urging authorities to enforce even tougher measures against individuals targeting government wealth-creation initiatives, including PDM and Restocking programmes.

Defense and Ongoing Manhunt

During the proceedings, Division CDO Harriet Aringo denied any wrongdoing. She explained that her duties were strictly administrative—specifically receiving documentation from SACCO leadership and uploading data into the central PDM computer system. She maintained that the authority to approve and release payments rested solely with the SACCO Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer.

However, primary beneficiaries offered a contrasting account. Omara Opio, an affected member, alleged that all four arrested officials acted in collusion, leading to the disappearance of the UGX 11 million.

Another beneficiary, Bonny Francis Okulle, urged police to track down the fugitive SACCO Secretary, Felton Ogwal. Okulle alleged that Ogwal personally collected signatures from beneficiaries before fraudulently withdrawing UGX 1 million on behalf of more than 10 individuals.

As of press time, Felton Ogwal remains at large. Repeated phone calls placed to his known contact numbers by Radio Q FM seeking his comment went unanswered. Police confirm that full investigations are ongoing as they hunt for the missing secretary.