Seven NRM Chairpersons Arrested in Otuke Over UGX 2.5 Billion Election Fund Scam

LCC TV NEWS

Otuke, Uganda – Police in Otuke District have arrested seven National Resistance Movement (NRM) sub-county and town council chairpersons on allegations of mismanaging funds disbursed by the party to facilitate the elections of LC Chairpersons and Women Council leaders.

The arrests occurred following complaints raised during the election exercise on Thursday, July 23, 2026. Election officials reportedly submitted a report to authorities documenting alleged irregularities in the distribution of the funds, which prompted immediate intervention by law enforcement.

According to the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) for Otuke District, Isaac Opio Opeo, preliminary reports indicate that the distribution of money deviated significantly from the guidelines issued by the NRM Secretariat. Some beneficiaries reportedly received only UGX 50,000 each, while others allegedly received no payment at all, despite the party having released substantial funds for the exercise.

Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that additional individuals believed to have played a role in the alleged misuse are being pursued.

Suspects in Custody

The suspects currently detained at Otuke Central Police Station include:

• Patrick Eyeng, NRM Chairperson for Orum Sub-county – arrested with UGX 1.15 million.

• Benson Abuka, NRM Chairperson for Alango Sub-county – arrested with UGX 16,000.

• Thomas Okello, NRM Chairperson for Okwongo Town Council – arrested with UGX 1.9 million.

• Moses Odongo, NRM Chairperson for Adwari Sub-county.

• Samuel Okwir, NRM Chairperson for Okwongo Sub-county.

• Jaspher Opio Dete, NRM Chairperson for Okwang Town Council – arrested with UGX 500,000.

• Wilson Odongo, NRM Chairperson for Okwang Sub-county.

Warnings and Broader Context

Opio Opeo warned NRM leaders against diverting or misusing party funds, emphasizing the need for accountability in line with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s calls for transparency and integrity among party officials.

This development follows a similar incident in the neighboring Alebtong District, where police arrested Otiti Sam, the NRM Chairperson for Aloi Town Council. He was apprehended just a day prior to the Otuke arrests over the alleged mismanagement of UGX 14.2 million intended for the same election exercise.

The North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, has confirmed the Alebtong case and stated that those investigations are also ongoing.