Loro town officials arrested for extortion in cattle restocking program

Police in Oyam district are investigating two officials from Loro town council, Oyam South.

They were arrested for allegedly extorting money from residents seeking registration under the government’s cattle restocking program.

Evaline Nyandira, a town agent for Western Ward, and Francis Jonga, LC1 chairperson of Eponga Cell were arrested on Saturday.

It is alleged that the pair collected between shs2,000 and shs5,000 from residents, depending on their status, to facilitate their registration in the program.

Robert Ekwaro, the LC3 chairperson of Loro town council confirmed the matter. He said information about the alleged extortion reached him and acted promptly to have the suspects arrested and handed over to police at Loro Police Station.

Ekwaro noted that the total amount of money collected by the suspects is yet to be established.

The Oyam Resident District Commissioner, James Shilako, said multiple reports suggest some parish chiefs and town agents have been demanding up to shs5,000 per household as a registration fee—an act he describes as illegal and unacceptable.

He further alleges that the practice is being carried out with the knowledge of some sub-county chiefs and town clerks, who reportedly instructed junior staff to collect the money.

Oyam is not new to corruption. On March 30, 2026, Mark Obangkwon, an aide to the Chief Administrative Officer, was arrested for allegedly soliciting money from a job applicant.