By Henry Okello
TORORO
A cloud of controversy has engulfed Tororo Municipality following the arrest of Pastor Joseph Oketcho Okama, (of a yet to be Identified church) who is accused of defrauding multiple community groups under the guise of facilitating access to government funds.
Okama was apprehended on Tuesday 7th October 2025 within the premises of the Tororo Municipal Council, where he had reportedly returned to continue his alleged fraudulent dealings.
His arrest was executed by the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) in collaboration with Tororo police.
According to municipal authorities, Okama is suspected of extorting over UGX 150,000 from each of more than ten EMYOOGA and SACCO groups, promising to help them secure government funding.
Victims claim he demanded UGX 40,000 for scanning documents and an additional UGX 150,000 for purported transport costs to meet high-level funders, including claims of connections to Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga.
The Tororo Municipal Commercial Officer had received multiple complaints from SACCO beneficiaries, prompting a swift investigation that culminated in Okama’s arrest.
He was later whisked away to Tororo Central Police Station for further interrogation.
Okama is also a registered member of the Tororo Municipality Welders SACCO, raising concerns about internal vulnerabilities within community financial structures.
Speaking on the matter, Mathew Okello, the Tororo Municipal Communications Officer, condemned the pastor’s actions, calling them “a betrayal of public trust.”
“Government support through EMYOOGA is free and follows a transparent process managed by the commercial officer. No one should pay to access these funds,” Okello emphasized.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report individuals who solicit money in exchange for government services, warning that such practices undermine the integrity of national empowerment programs.
As investigations continue, authorities have pledged to pursue justice and restore confidence in the EMYOOGA program, which was designed to foster inclusive development, not exploitation.
