LC2 chairman arrested over extortion of money from elderly persons

By Denis Okello (denis.okello@voll.co.ug)

Oyam

Police in Oyam district have arrested the LC2 chairman of Awio Parish, Iceme Sub County, Oyam District for extorting money from beneficiaries of the Social Assistance Grant for Empowerment-SAGE.

It is alleged that the suspect, Francis Ogwang was forcefully collecting 75,000 shillings from the elderly persons who were recently paid 375,000= each.

Ogwang allegedly threatened that he would have the names of the elderly persons who refused to collect the 75,000 shillings deleted from the government pay roll.

North Kyoga region police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema told the elderly persons that the money would be given to community development officers, and parish chiefs among others.

Okema said one of the elderly persons subsquenytly reported the case on 2/1/2023.

Okema added that the police has recorded statements from witnesses and those who collected the money and the file has been forwarded to the resident chief state attorney for perusal and advice.

He said Ogwang could face a charge of Demanding property with Menaces contrary to section 293 of the penal code Act.