By Denish Ongora
KOLE. The chairperson of Ayamo Parish PDM SACCO, Okello Tom, has been arrested following serious allegations of extortion and soliciting sex from beneficiaries in exchange for access to government funds.
The arrest occurred on Monday during an emergency stakeholders’ meeting held at Kole Town Council Hall, where community members backed findings from an investigation led by Kole North Member of Parliament, Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti.
The findings accused Okello of demanding between UGX 150,000 and 250,000 from beneficiaries and, in some cases, seeking sexual favors from women in exchange for access to UGX 1 million Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
The meeting, attended by top district authorities, local leaders and PDM group members from Ayamo Parish, turned tense as multiple complaints were raised against the SACCO chairperson.
Acting on the directive of Deputy Resident District Commissioner Badru Kyanjo, security personnel arrested Okello while the meeting was still ongoing.
Kyanjo then directed all complainants to immediately record statements at Kole Central Police Station.
He strongly condemned the alleged misuse of government funds and the exploitation of vulnerable beneficiaries, noting that Okello had reportedly misled community members by claiming the money would be shared among district officials.
During the meeting, stakeholders passed several resolutions, including the immediate election of a new chairperson, proper identification of legitimate PDM beneficiaries by parish members, and the issuance of a guiding directive to all SACCOs in the district.
It was also resolved that beneficiaries must receive their funds directly without interference, and that further investigations should focus specifically on Ayamo Parish.
MP Acuti while presenting his findings, accused Okello of abusing his office by manipulating beneficiary selection, extorting money, and exploiting women.
He revealed additional irregularities, including the unlawful removal of elected secretary Lydia Aceng and her replacement with Felton Ojok, before later appointing Jimmy Ebong, reportedly a relative.
Further allegations indicate that Okello confiscated beneficiaries’ phones and PIN numbers to withdraw funds on their behalf, often delivering reduced amounts or none at all.
Some legitimate beneficiaries, including Katherine Acen and Robinah Akoli, reportedly did not receive any funds, while individuals from outside Ayamo Parish—including from Lira, Otuke, and Apac districts—were allegedly added as beneficiaries.
Acuti noted that the Inspectorate of Government has taken up investigations into the matter, warning that the UGX 50 million earmarked for the parish SACCO risks being lost if immediate action is not taken.
Kia Sarah, a resident, claimed Okello and some other male PDM leaders asked her for sex, when she refused that, they managed to succeed in geting UGX 180,000 as a bribe but again she was denied PDM money.
Vice LCV Chairperson Moses Angor Ongom also criticized sections of the community for offering bribes to SACCO leaders, saying the practice has fueled corruption within the system.
Several community members backed the allegations revealed by MP Acuti, claiming Okello personally collected money from them or sent agents to do so on his behalf.
Before his arrest, Okello denied all accusations, insisting he is innocent and being targeted by individuals seeking to damage his reputation.
Assistant RDC Ajok Patricia blamed some community members for failing to attend earlier parish meetings where the issues could have been addressed sooner.
According to Geoffrey Okidi, Senior Assistant Secretary of Okwerodot Sub-county, the area comprises eight parishes and has received a total of UGX 2.8 billion under the PDM program, benefiting 2,856 people.
He added that similar complaints of extortion have also been reported in Lelakot and Abongojok parishes but has been resolved.
Out of 14 SACCOs in the parish, eight have recorded complaints.
Ayamo Parish alone received UGX 357.8 million. The parish currently has 36 PDM groups with several members each.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing as leaders push for accountability and reforms in the management of PDM funds.
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