Alebtong local chiefs arrested for ‘stealing’ government hand hoes for wananchi

Police in Alebtong district have launched an investigation into the theft of over 206 government-issued hand hoes from the Adwir sub-county headquarters’ store. 

The incident is believed to have occurred on June 29, 2026, at an unknown time, but the case was officially registered at Adwir Police Station on June 30, 2026, at approximately 9:41 am by Lutwama Mathias, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Alebtong.

Suspects, all now with the police, have been identified as Odongo Isaac Walter, 48, the sub-county chief of Adwir, and Ongom Lawrence, 40, the parish chief of Olwero, both in Adwir sub-county.

SP Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that on June 30, 2026, the Deputy RDC received numerous calls from concerned residents of Adwir sub-county.

The callers reported an incident of office breaking and theft of government hand hoes, which were designated for distribution to households in the area.

Residents alleged that the parish chief of Olwero conspired with the sub-county chief and others to break into the store and steal the hoes.

A case of theft was duly registered at Adwir Police Station. A team of police officers from Adwir Station, accompanied by the Deputy RDC and local leaders, promptly visited the scene of crime, SP Okema said.

A search was immediately conducted at the dwelling house of Ongom Lawrence, where law enforcement recovered 102 hand hoes.

Following the operation, the two suspects were arrested to assist with ongoing police investigations.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the break-in was constructive in nature, meaning there was no forceful entry but rather internal access. Notably, the 102 recovered hoes were found hidden under a bed inside Ongom Lawrence’s house,” added SP Okema.

The hand hoes are part of a Presidential donation to Alebtong district local government, intended for distribution to households across the country. SP Okema revealed that the recovered items have been exhibited as evidence at the police station, while further inquiries continue.

“We are ready and prepared to ensure that they face the full force of the law once investigations are concluded,” Okema vowed.