Police in Serere District are investigating Haruna Onai Aron, the LC III chairperson of Labor Sub-county, over allegations that he failed to pay for livestock he successfully bid for during a church fundraising event. Onai, now out on police bond, was arrested on Wednesday after reportedly avoiding both church leaders and investigators.
The case was triggered by complaints from members of St Michael Catholic Church, who organised a fundraising drive on 4 October 2025 to revive the long-stalled construction of their church. The event included an auction of livestock donated by Christians and local leaders, where Onai bid for a cow, a bull, a turkey and two chickens valued at Shs 2.9 million.
According to John Engau, chairperson of the church construction committee, Onai had promised to pay immediately after the auction. However, he never honoured the pledge. Engau said church members made several attempts to secure the money, including going to the local leader’s home.
“He would sometimes hide when he saw us approaching to ask for the payment,” Engau explained.
Church members later reported the matter to Arapo Police Station after realising that Onai had taken the livestock without making any payment. He was subsequently detained at Serere Central Police Station as inquiries into the suspected theft of church property continued.
Meanwhile, South Kyoga regional police spokesperson Stephen Mukombe confirmed that Onai is also being investigated in a separate matter involving the alleged theft of a generator belonging to Labor Sub-county.
