Three parish chiefs, CDO arrested for extortion in Apac

Apac, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Police in Apac district has arrested a Community Development Officer and three parish chiefs for allegedly extorting money from SACCO groups registering for Parish Development Model (PDM) program.

The suspects are Alex Egwang, the parish chief of Chegere parish, Nixon Odur of Ngica parish, Nelson Paka of Atigolwok parish and Jacob Okello, a 29-year-old Community Development Officer.

It is alleged that the four while at Chegere sub-county headquarters, extorted money from the public under the guise of registering them for PDM. Each group paid 20,000 Shillings as a registration fee, 10,000 to 30,000 Shillings for a certificate and 10,000 Shillings for the constitution.

Jimmy Patrick Okema, the North Kyoga Police Spokesperson confirmed that the suspects have been charged with extortion.

Last month, Apac district leaders raised complaints over the extortion of money by civil servants for registration yet the process is free.

Francis Milton Obote, the LCII chairperson of Chegere parish who heads the LCII chairpersons in the district said in his parish, that all the 44 groups paid the 20,000 Shillings for registration.

Bob Oola, the chairperson of Atik division in Apac municipality says extortion of money is rampant in other parts of the district.

George Abudul, the Apac Resident District Commissioner says they have received several complaints of extortion.

Last month, the Minister for Gender, Labour and Social Development ordered the arrest of the suspects extorting money from beneficiaries of the program.

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