A laboratory technician in Amuria District, eastern Uganda, was left devastated after being conned out of UGX 7.5 million by a peasant in a fraudulent job scheme.
The incident, which occurred between November and December 2024, has resulted in the arrest and remand of the suspect, David Okinei, 34, under case file CRB 10/2025 at Amuria Police Station.
The saga began in November 2024 when the Kapelebyong District Local Government advertised job vacancies, inviting qualified Ugandans to apply for various positions.
Among the hopeful applicants was Veronica Abalo, 27, a resident of Aujabule village in Amuria District, who applied for the position of laboratory technician.
Sensing an opportunity, Okinei, a peasant from Atarukot village, Kobuin Parish, Akoromit Sub-county in Kapelebyong District, approached Abalo’s father, Max Ocen.
Claiming to have connections with influential figures in the district service commission and the district political leadership, Okinei assured Ocen and Abalo that he could secure her employment.
Okinei alleged that the Kapelebyong District Chairperson, Hon. Akorikin Francis, had directed him to solicit “facilitation fees” from applicants as a guarantee for their recruitment.
He convinced Ocen to part with UGX 7.5 million, purportedly to be shared among the district chairperson and members of the district service commission.
Over the course of the scheme, Okinei collected the UGX 7.5 million in three separate installments within Amuria Town.
He claimed the funds would be delivered to the district chairperson and service commission officials to secure Abalo’s appointment.
However, when the list of successful candidates was published, Abalo’s name was absent.
This revelation caused panic within her family, who immediately confronted Okinei.
Unable to provide answers, Okinei’s motorcycle, a Bajaj Boxer (registration number UES 235Y) valued at UGX 3 million, was impounded by the family as they demanded a refund of the money.
The matter was reported to Amuria Police Station on January 4, 2025.
A team of investigators, led by District CID Officer D/ASP Nabimanya Gibson, launched a probe into the allegations.
Investigations revealed that Okinei is a close relative of Ocen, a relationship he exploited to gain their trust and execute the fraudulent scheme.
Further inquiries at the Kapelebyong District Local Government confirmed that no facilitation fees were required for employment.
The district chairperson, Hon. Akorikin Francis, how was summoned to record a statement has categorically denied any involvement, emphasizing that district jobs are awarded on merit and that any individual paying bribes does so at their own risk.
Okinei has been arrested and charged with obtaining money by false pretenses.
His motorcycle, a key piece of evidence, was recovered during the investigation and on January 10, 2025, he was arraigned in court and subsequently remanded.
Akorikin has distanced himself from Okinei’s actions, stating, “I did not, and could not, instruct anyone to solicit bribes from applicants. Such actions are illegal and tarnish the integrity of our recruitment processes.”
Speaking to local media, Abalo shared the emotional toll the incident has had on her and her family.
“My father sold livestock to raise that money. We trusted Okinei, but he took advantage of us. All we want is our money back,” she said.
Her case highlights the vulnerability of job seekers who often fall victim to fraudulent schemes in their desperation to secure employment.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for Ugandans seeking employment.
Police have urged job applicants to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police.
East Kyoga Regional Police Commander Damalie Nachuha reiterated the police’s commitment to cracking down on fraudulent activities.
“We will not tolerate individuals who prey on the vulnerable by exploiting their hopes for better opportunities,” she said.
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Now teso is talking
It’s a racket of individuals involved in this and now the one used to pick the bribe remains to count,
The commission should be questioned and I wonder weather the one who succeeded didn’t pay really, it might be that the winner was considered because he was the highest bidder,
Corruption in service commission is worse more than police itself
It’s true even the one who was given might have paid also but now it leaves the one who was not given the job in pain 7.5m is alot of money
Welcome to Uganda!!!
The district service commission should be investigated thoroughly,
Many are but few have shown.
No balance in jobs allocation in the district.
KAPELEBYONG true borns suffer as outsiders/ non kapelebyongans enjoyed.
God will judge us all when the time comes for everyone.
The district service commission should be investigated thoroughly,
Many are crying but few have shown.
No balance in jobs allocation in the district.
KAPELEBYONG true borns suffer as outsiders/ non kapelebyongans enjoyed.
God will judge us all when the time comes for everyone.