Otuke Senior lay Reader and Two Church Members Arrested Over Alleged UgX 15,000 Scam Promising Foreign-Funded Development Projects.

BY HILARY OPIO OMARA

Otuke Senior lay Reader and Two Church Members Arrested Over Alleged Ugx 15,000 Scam Promising Foreign-Funded Development Projects.

Security authorities in Otuke District have arrested a senior lay reader and two church members over allegations of obtaining money by false pretenses from unsuspecting residents through a suspected fraudulent scheme that promised access to foreign-funded development projects.

The suspects have been identified as Moris Ogwang,a senior lay reader attached to St. Mary's Church of Uganda in Otuke Town Council,and corrdinator of the project Emario Odongo and Alfonsio Odongo a secretary of this project,who were allegedly involved in mobilizing residents and collecting registration fees for the purported project.

According to the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) of Otuke District, Isaac Opio Opeo,the three suspects were arrested following investigations into complaints from members of the public who questioned the legitimacy of a project for which residents were allegedly being asked to pay Ugshs 15,000 as a registration fee.

Investigations indicate that Emario Odongo was acting as the district coordinator of the project in Otuke and played a central role in organizing meetings and recruiting participants.

Residents were reportedly told that those who registered and paid the required fee would qualify for livelihood improvement projects allegedly funded by a United States-based organization known as Faith Driven Investors.

Authorities say the suspects conducted a series of mobilization meetings,including gatherings held on June 11 and June 18, 2026,where community members were encouraged to register for opportunities involving fish farming,piggery,poultry keeping,and other income-generating activities.

However,suspicion began to grow after leaders of Otuke district demanded proof of the project's authenticity and questioned the organization behind the initiative.

Security agencies later received intelligence reports indicating that the suspects were continuing to collect money from church members and residents without authorization from any government institution.

On June 25,police officers from Otuke Central Police Station moved in and arrested the three suspects and detaining them to assist with ongoing investigations.

During the operation,security personnel reportedly recovered receipt books, registration forms,and other documents believed to have been used to collect money from residents.

Investigators suspect that the documents were used to convince community members that the project was genuine and officially recognized.

Authorities are currently analyzing the records to establish how much money was collected and the number of residents who may have fallen victim to the scheme.

Police are also working to verify whether Faith Driven Investors has any legitimate operations in Uganda and whether the suspects had any authorization to act on behalf of the organization.

Assistant RDC Isaac Opio Opeo warned residents to be vigilant against individuals who solicit money while claiming to represent investors,donors,or development organizations without proper verification.

He emphasized that government-supported development programs do not operate through unauthorized agents who collect registration fees from beneficiaries.

"We shall not allow fraudsters to exploit vulnerable citizens through false promises of development projects.Anyone found collecting money from the public under false pretenses will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law," Opio Opeo warned.

He urged residents to verify all projects, investment opportunities,and fundraising campaigns with district authorities before making any payments.

Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the alleged scam and have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests as inquiries continue.

Authorities are appealing to all residents who paid money or attended the meetings organized by the suspects to report to Otuke Central Police Station and provide information that may assist investigat