NRM chairman arrested over connivance with thieves

By Denish Ongora (denish.ongora@vol.co.ug)

Alebtong

The National Resistance Movement (NRM) chairman of Awei Sub County, Alebtong district is on the spot over alleged connivance with thieves to steal cattle belonging to locals.

Patrick Obong who doubles as the LC1 chairman of Abwong village was arrested on Wednesday after it was discovered that he authored an animal movement permit for a stolen cow.

A local resident of Abwong village, Elvis Owal said Obong had for long been accused of authorizing movement of stolen animals and had allegedly been giving his government motorcycle to transport the stolen animals.

Ogwal said trouble for Obong started after he gave an animal movement permit to a cattle thief who reportedly bribed him with Shs 400,000.

Over 100 locals of Abwong village Yestaerday stormed Awei Sub County headquarters to demand for permission to force Obong out of office but were calmed down by the Sub County chairman Sam Oyena Obonyo and other Sub County leaders who promised to handle the matter amicably.

Patrick Poro Adulu, one the locals of Abwong said they are ready to elect a new LC1 chairman to replace Obong.

Awei Sub County chairman Sam Oyena Obonyo said locals accused Obong of conniving with cattle thieves by giving them animal movement permits and his motorcycle to transport stolen cattle and failure to work with his executive.

Oyena said that since Obong is still being held at Awei police post, they have directed the LC2 chairman of the area where Obong was serving to convene a meeting to resolve the matter.

The LC1 vice chairman of Abwong village has meanwhile taken over the position of the LC1 in acting capacity.