Former Arua District Local Government LCV Chairperson Alfred Okuonzi and his son, Stephen Pariyo, have been remanded to Luzira Prison over charges of abuse of office and theft involving a motorcycle donated to the district.
The two appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court, where Principal Magistrate Christopher Opit read the charges to them. They both denied the allegations.
The court remanded them until November 10, 2026, when they are expected to return for their bail application.
According to the Inspectorate of Government (IGG), Okuonzi allegedly abused his office while serving as Arua district chairperson by irregularly taking possession of a motorcycle, registration number UFA 401N, and refusing to hand it over to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).
The motorcycle had reportedly been donated to Arua District Local Government by the Norwegian Refugee Council.
The IGG alleges that Okuonzi’s actions were prejudicial to the interests of the Government of Uganda because he retained the motorcycle instead of surrendering it to the district administration.
Prosecutors further accuse Okuonzi and his son of fraudulently taking the motorcycle without any claim of right, with the intention of permanently depriving Arua District Local Government of its property.
The charges relate to the alleged unlawful retention and taking of the government asset.
The accused persons denied the charges and will remain on remand pending their return to court for the bail proceedings.
The allegations have not been proven in court.
