Three individuals have been arraigned before the Magistrates Court in Otuke District on charges of theft and unlawful possession of National Identity Cards belonging to beneficiaries of the government’s cattle compensation program.

The accused, Obua Denith, Okeng Joel, and Ayo Jonan were presented in court on July 16, 2025 following a joint operation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

According to iInvestigations the suspects, along with others still at large, manipulated the registration and account opening process for cattle compensation beneficiaries in Otuke.

The accused allegedly obtained sensitive bank details and National IDs from unsuspecting victims, many of whom are elderly and entitled to compensation for cattle lost during past insurgencies.

Authorities say the suspects exploited the information to open and operate bank accounts in the names of the victims without their knowledge, effectively diverting government funds meant for compensation. The victims were reportedly denied access to their own account details, preventing them from receiving the money.

“So far, over UGX 500 million has been siphoned from the fraudulent scheme, and investigations remain ongoing to uncover more suspects and trace stolen funds,” the statement read in part.

The court has remanded the three suspects until July 22, 2025, as inquiries continue.

Officials have pledged to intensify efforts to protect vulnerable citizens, especially the elderly, from exploitation in government compensation programs.