Fraudsters Take Off With Ugx500m Cattle Compensation For Northern War Victims

Authorities have arraigned three individuals before the Otuke Magistrates Court in connection with a large-scale fraud involving the government’s cattle compensation program in Otuke District.

The suspects — Obua Denith, Okeng Joel, and Ayo Jonan — were jointly charged with theft and unlawful possession of National Identity Cards belonging to other individuals. The case was presented by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), in collaboration with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID).

According to the prosecution, the accused conspired with others still at large to exploit vulnerable residents — particularly elderly claimants — during the registration and bank account opening process for cattle compensation. The program was set up to compensate individuals whose cattle were lost during insurgencies in northern Uganda.

Investigators allege that the trio unlawfully obtained bank account details and national IDs of victims, which they then used to gain access to government compensation funds. In many cases, the victims were reportedly denied access to their own account information, effectively locking them out while the fraudsters withdrew large sums of money on their behalf.

Initial estimates suggest the suspects siphoned over UGX 500 million from the affected accounts. The stolen funds were meant to compensate residents for livestock lost during past conflicts.

The court has remanded the three accused until July 22, 2025, as investigations continue to track down other individuals believed to be involved in the scheme.

Authorities have urged members of the public, especially compensation beneficiaries, to remain vigilant and report any irregularities in the claims or banking processes.