Lira City | Police in the North Kyoga Region have arrested the Local Council One (LCI) chairman of Ireda Estates Cell, Lira City East Division, over allegations of theft and possession of government property.
The suspect, Francis Odwar, 53 was taken into custody on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after a police canine operation allegedly linked him to stolen fresh maize belonging to police officers.
The arrest followed repeated complaints from officers who had planted maize on Ireda Estates police land.
According to North Kyoga Regional Police Public Relations Officer, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, officers discovered fresh footmarks in the plantation and deployed a trained police dog, which traced the trail directly to the chairman’s home.
“The dog traced the footsteps from the maize garden directly to the home of the chairman, where it stopped and refused to move further,” Okema said.
Odwar allegedly attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended and taken to Ireda Shamba Police Station.
A search of the suspect’s home, conducted in the presence of neighbors, reportedly uncovered an empty gun magazine, police uniforms, a sack of mosquito nets labeled “Government of Uganda – Not for Sale,” a pair of black army shoes.
Other items include a television set, fresh maize mixed with dry maize, and a container of tear gas canister. All items have been exhibited as evidence.
Police have charged Odwar with theft and illegal possession of suspected stolen property. The case file will be forwarded to the Resident Chief State Attorney for review before court proceedings, SP Okema said.
In a statement on Tuesday, SP Okema condemned the alleged actions of the community leader, urging the public to elect persons of high integrity.
“We strongly condemn this act and appeal to members of the public to always elect persons of high integrity into positions of authority,” he said.
Residents of Ireda Estates expressed shock at the arrest, with some saying they had never suspected Odwar, while others linked the incident to a rise in petty theft in the area.
“We thought the police dog was making a mistake when it stopped at his gate, but when they brought out all those things, we were speechless,” a neighbor said.
Police reiterated their zero-tolerance stance toward corruption, theft, and misuse of public resources, warning that no one is above the law.
If convicted under Uganda’s Penal Code Act, Odwar could face significant prison time and fines, particularly for offences involving government property and security-related items.
Governance watchdogs have called for stricter vetting of local leaders to prevent those with questionable backgrounds from assuming public office.
Authorities urged residents to engage in community policing and report suspicious activities to maintain safety and trust in leadership.
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