By Vicent Emong
KUMI — The Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Kanyum County in Kumi District, Irene Akello, has issued a stern warning to Parish Development Committee (PDC) leaders accused of extorting money from beneficiaries of the government’s restocking program.
Akello made the remarks while addressing concerns emerging from the implementation of the ongoing initiative aimed at supporting vulnerable households in the Teso and Lango sub-regions.
She commended the Government of Uganda under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for fulfilling its long-standing pledge to support communities through livestock restocking and livelihood recovery programs.
“The government has shown commitment to uplifting communities in Teso and Lango through this important restocking initiative,” Akello said.
She revealed that profiling of beneficiaries is already underway, but warned that irregularities have started emerging in some areas.
According to Akello, some PDC leaders responsible for identifying beneficiaries are allegedly ignoring official guidelines and instead prioritizing themselves, relatives, or unqualified individuals.
“We have identified gaps in the implementation process, especially among some Parish Development Committee leaders who are not following the set guidelines,” she explained.
Akello emphasized that the program is intended to benefit all households, with priority given to vulnerable groups such as widows, child-headed families, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities.
“These categories are supposed to benefit first before others can follow,” she clarified.
She urged leaders to act with integrity and avoid turning the government initiative into a source of personal gain.
“This support is meant to help vulnerable households improve their livelihoods. Beneficiaries should use the funds for the intended purpose, such as purchasing livestock and engaging in productive activities,” she added.
The Assistant RDC also raised concern over reports of corruption and bribery linked to the exercise.
According to Akello, her office has received complaints that some leaders are demanding between Shs500,000 and Shs1 million from beneficiaries in exchange for inclusion on the beneficiary lists.
“I want to warn those extorting money from beneficiaries that this is illegal and unacceptable. Anyone found soliciting bribes will be arrested and prosecuted,” she cautioned.
She called upon communities to report corrupt officials and support efforts aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability during the implementation of the program.
Akello further urged beneficiaries to cooperate with authorities and use the support responsibly to improve household incomes and reduce poverty levels in the region.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the warning, saying corruption within government programs often denies vulnerable people the opportunity to benefit from poverty alleviation initiatives.
The government’s restocking program is part of broader efforts to rebuild livelihoods, improve household incomes, and promote economic transformation in communities affected by poverty and past insecurity.
Authorities in Kumi say strict monitoring mechanisms will be strengthened to ensure the program benefits the intended households and achieves its long-term objectives.
