Lira City
In a scandal that has shocked the community, a consignment of 8,000 hoes allegedly diverted from government programs was spotted being offloaded at the residence of Hon. Betty Amongi Akena’s husband, Akena Obote, around 5:00 PM today. The incident has raised serious concerns about corruption and misuse of government resources.
The hoes, reportedly intended as a donation from the Government of Uganda for rural farmers, were seen being offloaded under suspicious circumstances late in the evening. A leaked video captured by concerned community members has further fueled speculation about the motives behind this act. According to sources close to the matter, Hon. Amongi orchestrated the diversion of these tools to Lira City to bolster her political campaign for the Woman MP seat.
The timing and location of the offloading have sparked widespread outrage. Many are questioning why such an activity took place in the evening and at a private residence rather than being distributed transparently to the intended beneficiaries. “Why were the hoes being offloaded at night if everything was above board?” a community member asked.
This incident is not an isolated one. Hon. Amongi has previously been accused of diverting items meant for community development under the Juakali Project. Just a few months ago, she allegedly redirected essential tools like jet car washing machines and sewing machines. These resources, meant to uplift struggling communities, have instead been withheld, perpetuating poverty in the affected areas.
Efforts to confirm the legitimacy of the hoe consignment have met resistance. A source reached out to the Production Department to verify whether agro-inputs like these were scheduled for distribution. However, department officials denied any knowledge of such an arrangement, further deepening the mystery and raising suspicions of foul play.
Hon. Amongi is reportedly targeting communities in Iwal, Ngetta, and Adekokwok with these tools in a bid to gain political favor. This move contrasts starkly with her counterpart, Hon. Dr. Jane Ruth Aceng Ocero, who has garnered praise for her transparent and impactful community development efforts. Dr. Aceng recently provided two hand tractors to cooperatives in Lira City to boost agricultural productivity, earning her the trust and admiration of the community.
The unfolding scandal has reignited calls for greater accountability and transparency from public officials. Community leaders and civil society organizations are urging the government to investigate the alleged misuse of resources and ensure that those responsible face the full extent of the law.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of integrity in public service. As the community waits for answers, the spotlight remains firmly on Hon. Betty Amongi Akena and her actions.