LIRA CITY – The Resident District Commissioner of Amolatar, Francise Okello Odoki Rwotlonyo, has raised a red flag over the shifting nature of corruption in Uganda, revealing that the vice has moved from government offices into communities where citizens are now extorting money from one another under government poverty alleviation programmes.
Speaking at the official launch of the Northern Uganda Social Action Fund (NUSAF 4) for the Lango sub-region in Lira City on 22ndOctober 2026, Odoki warned that corruption has “left the offices and gone back to the community,” particularly under the Parish Development Model (PDM), where community members are now extorting money from within themselves.
“Corruption has actually left the offices and gone back to the community. You realise that it is now community themselves that extorting money from within themselves. So the issue of corruption has shifted from what we know as the office to the wananchi, the community members. That is where we really need to put more strictness,” he said.
The RDC acknowledged that government has done a lot in the Lango sub-region to eradicate poverty, citing several affirmative action programmes including Emyoga, PDM, Youth Livelihood Programme, cattle restocking, and NUSAF 4, which has been allocated approximately one trillion shillings to target communities in Northern Uganda.
“Government has done its best to ensure that they provide sustainable livelihoods in Northern Uganda,” Odoki noted, adding that many projects have been successful while others have faced challenges upon arrival.
Highlighting efforts to combat corruption in Amolatar district, the RDC revealed that the district has adopted a zero-tolerance stance, resulting in the arrest of several officials including staff and community members. However, he expressed frustration over the judicial system, citing issues of bail and bond as major obstacles to securing convictions.
“You ask yourself the moral questions: why shouldn’t this person be convicted? From the police, the CID, the person is not charged. The file is not being sanctioned, and the person is moving free. Many have been interdicted but you find them still being promoted in offices,” he lamented.
The RDC called for stricter measures and a collective responsibility approach to ensure that corruption is fought to zero tolerance, emphasizing the need for mindset change among community members.
With billions of shillings being invested in Northern Uganda’s recovery and development, Odoki challenged leaders and community members to ensure that projects are effectively implemented and achieve their intended objectives.
“So the question comes back to us, the leaders and the community members: How do we ensure that these projects are effectively implemented and realise their intended objectives?” he posed.
The launch of NUSAF 4 in the Lango sub-region marks a continuation of government efforts to promote wealth cre
