By Spy Uganda
In a joint operation by the Anti-Corruption Unit of the State House, the Uganda Police Force. and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Asangai David, a Community Development Officer, was arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Tororo district on charges of theft and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The case stems from an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds intended for the elderly under the Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE) program. In 2023, Asangai, alongside others still at large, is accused of conspiring to steal millions of shillings allocated to support elderly citizens across several subcounties in Tororo and Busia districts.
The theft is believed to have taken place during the distribution of funds designed to uplift the elderly in these regions, and the stolen money was meant to improve their livelihoods. The case has drawn significant attention due to the exploitation of vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly, who rely heavily on such programs for their survival.
In addition to the SAGE program theft, Asangai and his co-conspirators are also being investigated for their involvement in the theft of funds intended for the Peace, Recovery, and Development Plan (PRDP) project in Tororo district in 2022. The PRDP funds were aimed at fostering economic recovery and development in post-conflict areas, and the alleged theft has raised concerns about the mismanagement of government resources meant to benefit the public.
Asangai was remanded to custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for March 19, 2025.
Authorities are continuing their investigations into the matter, with hopes that the case will serve as a deterrent to those who misuse public funds meant for the most vulnerable members of society.
