Sub-County Chairperson, Former Parish Chief Arrested for Alleged Embezzlement

Thomas Lapyem, the Sub-County Chairperson of Kitgum Matidi, and David Jimmy Oroma, the former Parish Chief, have been arrested for allegedly embezzling 9.4 million Shillings. 

According to Peter Oyesigye, the Kitgum District Police Commander, the two along with two accomplices who are still at large, were arrested after allegedly misappropriating funds sent by MTN for a telecommunications mast located on Kitgum Matidi Town Council land. 

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Kenneth Oketayot Aroo, the Chairperson of Kitgum Matidi Town Council, explained that the account where the money was deposited remained under the name of Kitgum Matidi Sub-County. This was because the agreement was made between MTN and the Sub-County before the Town Council was established, leaving the telecommunications mast on Town Council property. 

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Oketayot further stated that the two suspects, along with their accomplices, withdrew the money and falsely claimed it had been spent, without the knowledge or approval of the Sub-County government. “They withdrew the money and used it without our knowledge,” Oketayot said. “We only discovered the situation when we visited MTN headquarters in Kampala and found out that the payment had been made to the Sub-County account, not the Town Council account.” 

After efforts to resolve the issue directly with the Sub-County officials proved unsuccessful, the Town Council authorities reported the matter to the police, leading to the arrest of Lapyem and Oroma. 

Oyesigye says that a manhunt has been launched for two additional suspects believed to be involved in the embezzlement. 

The suspects are currently being held at Kitgum Central Police Station as investigations are ongoing