Alebtong Youth Arrested Over Alleged Misuse of YLP Funds On Command Of ARDC Okello

Alebtong Youth Group Member Arrested on Order of ARDC Jimmy Okello Over Alleged Misuse of YLP Funds

Alebtong, Uganda: A member of Oyutu Abeno Youth Tents and Chair Hire in Abako Sub-county, Alebtong District, has been arrested over alleged failure to account for funds advanced to the group under the Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP).

The suspect, identified as Arok Steven Treasure , was arrested on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, and taken to Central Police Station (CPS) Alebtongnfor questioning.

The arrest was under the order of Assistant Resident District Commissioner (ARDC) Jimmy Okello , who has intensified efforts to track the utilisation and recovery of public funds in the district.

According to Okello, the operation forms part of the government's accountability drive against the misuse and mismanagement of public resources.

Speaking to the media, ARDC Jimmy Okello said the authorities will. continue monitoring government-funded projects and ensure that beneficiaries comply with the conditions attached to the funds.

Okello said the suspect would be processed and taken to court after investigations are completed.

“We are continuing to monitor government programmes to ensure that public funds are properly utilised and recovered. Where there is failure to account, the responsible individuals will be required to explain,” Okello said.

The Oyutu Abeno Youth Tents and Chair Hire group, located in Oyutoabeno Village, Angoltok Parish, Abako Sub-county , reportedly received UGX 5,996,000 under a government programme during the 2014/2015 financial year to support its income-generating activities.

Authorities say the group was expected to repay or recover the funds through an agreed revolving arrangement so that the money could benefit other members of the community.

However, concerns reportedly emerged over the amount recovered from the project.

According to information from local authorities, Arok was expected to have deposited approximately UGX 2,996,700, but only nUGX 200,000had reportedly been deposited, leaving a significant balance yet to be accounted for.

Authorities allege that although payments had been expected over a period of time, the required amount had not been deposited as expected.

The arrest is therefore being treated as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability in government programmes and ensure that funds intended to improve livelihoods among young people are not diverted from their intended purpose.

Okello has warned beneficiaries of government programmes against treating public funds as personal money, saying beneficiaries must understand that such resources are provided under specific conditions and are expected to generate benefits for the wider community.

The Assistant RDC further encouraged youth groups benefiting from government programmes to maintain proper financial records, follow agreed repayment arrangements and ensure transparency among members.

The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue, and authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged failure to account for the funds before the matter proceeds to court.

The case has also renewed attention on the need for stronger monitoring of government-funded youth projects in rural communities, where such programmes are intended to provide young people with capital, employment opportunities and sustainable sources of income.