Kotido: Police arrest PDM SACCO officials over alleged extortion of members
KOTIDO, March 6, 2026 — Police in Kotido district have arrested two officials of Nakwakwa Parish Development Model Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation, commonly known as Nakwakwa PDM SACCO, over allegations of extorting money from beneficiaries.
The suspects have been identified as Mathius Achao, the SACCO treasurer, and Emmanuel Kapel, the secretary. The two were arrested recently following a tip-off that they were allegedly demanding money from members under the pretext of facilitating quicker loan disbursements.
The arrests, which took place on March 2, 2026, were prompted by the Kotido Resident District Commissioner [RDC], Charles Ichogor, after a beneficiary, Cecilia Dodoi, reported the incident to his office.
Dodoi said she was not the only victim, claiming that several other members had also fallen prey to the alleged extortion scheme.
“I was shocked when they asked me for Shs20,000 to process my loan. I thought this was a cooperative meant to help us, not exploit us,” Dodoi said.
The case has been recorded at Kotido Police Station under reference number SD REF 63/02/03/2026.
RDC Ichogor confirmed that the two officials, who hail from Nangolemuria and Taditad villages in Maaru Subcounty, allegedly pressured members to pay the money while promising faster access to the funds.
“This incident is a wake-up call regarding the growing concerns of corruption in local cooperatives. We urge members to speak out against such unscrupulous individuals,” Ichogor said, calling for greater vigilance among beneficiaries.
Kotido District Police Commander Jimmy Tumwine also urged members of the public who may have been affected to come forward and record statements.
“We encourage anyone who believes they may have been a victim of these practices to report to the police. Investigations are ongoing, and any relevant information will be crucial in establishing the facts,” Tumwine said.
Both Achao and Kapel are currently being held in police custody as investigations continue.
Tumwine said the suspects are likely to be charged with obtaining money by false pretence once investigations are complete. He assured the public that police remain committed to ensuring justice and holding accountable those who undermine the integrity of cooperative societies.
The incident has sparked wider debate about the management of financial cooperatives, particularly in rural communities where such institutions play a critical role in supporting livelihoods.
Local authorities have repeatedly emphasised that the sustainability of cooperative societies depends on transparency, accountability and trust.
“When trust is broken, it does not only affect the individuals involved but can also discourage other community members from participating in such initiatives,” Ichogor noted.
The developments in Kotido highlight the ongoing challenge facing many rural financial cooperatives in Uganda, the need for stronger oversight and ethical leadership to protect beneficiaries from exploitation.
https://thecooperator.news/kotido-municipality-struggles-to-recover-emyooga-funds/
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