Alfred Okuonzi, and his son, Stephen Pariyo appearing before the Anti-Corruption Court in Kampala. Photo Credit// IGG.

By Dramadri Federick

The former Arua District LCV Chairperson, Alfred Okuonzi, and his son, Stephen Pariyo, have been remanded to Luzira Prison over allegations of abuse of office and theft of a government motorcycle belonging to Arua District Local Government.

The duo appeared before the Anti-Corruption Court, where the charges were read to them by Principal Magistrate Christopher Opit. Both Okuonzi and Pariyo pleaded not guilty to the charges and were remanded until November 10, 2026, when they are expected to return to court for their bail application.

According to the Inspectorate of Government (IG), which is prosecuting the matter, Okuonzi allegedly abused his office while serving as the LCV Chairperson of Arua District Local Government by irregularly taking charge of and refusing to hand over motorcycle registration number UFA 401N to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

The motorcycle was reportedly donated to Arua District Local Government by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), but the prosecution alleges that Okuonzi retained it instead of handing it over to the district administration, an act said to have been prejudicial to the interests of the Government of Uganda.

The two are also accused of fraudulently taking the motorcycle, registration number UFA 401N, without any claim of right and with the intention of permanently depriving Arua District Local Government of its property.

Ministry of Works and Transport registration records identify the motorcycle as a Yamaha DT125, manufactured in 2019 and registered on January 13, 2020, under the ownership of Arua District Local Government.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Okuonzi allegedly left office without formally handing over the motorcycle to the district authorities before it was subsequently transferred to his son, Stephen Pariyo, who reportedly contacted commission agents to facilitate its sale.

IGG investigators reportedly posed as prospective buyers after the motorcycle was advertised, leading to the arrest of the suspects in connection with the alleged transaction.

The Inspectorate of Government was represented in court by Jason Arinda, Shanita Nasasira, Raphael Pappali and Judith Namaganda.

Meanwhile, two commission agents, Felix Anguzu and Allen Sisto, who were arrested over their alleged involvement in sharing and circulating the motorcycle’s sales advertisement, have since been released on bond by the Inspectorate of Government.

Anguyo Bernard, an uncle to Allen Sisto who has been following the matter on behalf of the two agents, says investigators released them after focusing on Okuonzi and his son as the principal suspects.

He says their release has brought relief to the families, which had been distressed since their arrest.

“The IGG prosecutor told us that the two commission agents did not have any case to answer before courts of law and took us to the Central Police Station and gave us police bond”.

One of the released agents, Allen Sisto, says he remains committed to cooperating with the Inspectorate of Government and complying with all its requirements until the matter is concluded.

“I was released on Bond today at around 2:00Pm, they told us to report to IGG office on December 3^rd 2026. We were charged 500,000 for the bond as part of the conditions.” Sisto explained

Ugandan laws criminalize levying charges on police bonds, Police bond in Uganda is the temporary release of an arrested suspect by the police while inquiries continue, guaranteed by a promise that the suspect will return to the station whenever required

Anguzu Felix and Allen Sisto were each released on bond after paying UGX 500,000 in cash and are expected to report back to the Inspectorate of Government on December 3, 2026.

The case raises questions about the accountability and proper management of public assets, particularly the procedures for handing over government property when public officials leave office.

The accused persons remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

Written by newsroom-radiopacis