news 21 September 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
45 Officials Detained in Kole for Alleged Cattle Restocking Fund Theft
Police in Kole District have arrested 45 civil servants and local councilors for allegedly misappropriating funds intended for a government cattle restocking program. The accused are said to have diverted Shs5 million meant for vulnerable beneficiaries to themselves, their relatives, and friends. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/45-officials-held-over-alleged-cattle-restocking-funds-theft-in-kole-5603990
Authorities in Kole District have apprehended 45 government officials and local councilors in connection with the alleged embezzlement of funds designated for a national cattle restocking initiative. The arrests, which occurred on Monday, September 21, 2026, targeted individuals including parish chiefs, sub-county chiefs, and area councilors.
According to Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Samuel Odongo, the suspects are accused of diverting Shs5 million, allocated per beneficiary, for their personal gain, benefiting themselves, family members, and associates instead of the intended vulnerable recipients. Odongo stated that some individuals have already confessed and returned the misappropriated funds, while others remain in custody pending repayment.
The cattle restocking program is a key government strategy to aid households, particularly in the Lango, Acholi, and Teso regions, that suffered livestock losses during past conflicts. For the 2025/26 fiscal year, over Shs80 billion was earmarked for the program’s initial phase, with parish chiefs and local leaders responsible for identifying eligible vulnerable households.
Preliminary findings suggest a deliberate scheme by some officials to bypass the program’s guidelines, self-nominating or nominating their close circle as beneficiaries. While police have acknowledged awareness of the arrests, a formal report was still pending at the time of reporting. Residents have expressed support for the operation, urging for a thorough investigation and an extension of similar crackdowns to other areas where corruption in the program is suspected.