Police in Serere District are investigating Haruna Onai Aron, the LC III chairperson of Labor Sub-county, after he allegedly failed to pay for animals he took during a church fundraising auction. Onai was arrested on Wednesday following claims that he had been dodging both church leaders and police officers who were trying to follow up the matter. He has since been released on bond as investigations continue.
The complaint was filed by members of St Michael Catholic Church, who organised a fundraising event on 4 October 2025 to raise money to resume construction of their long-stalled church building. During the function, several Christians and local leaders donated livestock that was put up for auction. Onai reportedly offered the highest bids for a cow, a bull, a turkey and two chickens, with the total value estimated at Shs 2.9 million.
According to John Engau, the chairperson of the church construction committee, Onai assured organisers that he would clear the payment immediately after the auction. However, days passed without any money being delivered. Engau said church members made repeated attempts to remind him about the pledge, including visiting his home to seek an explanation.
“He would sometimes disappear or avoid us whenever he realised we had come to ask about the money,” Engau said.
When it became clear that the church was not going to receive the payment, members decided to report the matter to Arapo Police Station. Police later picked up Onai, who was then taken to Serere Central Police Station as a case of suspected theft of church property was opened and statements were recorded.
South Kyoga regional police spokesperson Stephen Mukombe confirmed the arrest and added that Onai is also under investigation in a different case involving the alleged theft of a generator belonging to Labor Sub-county. He said inquiries into both incidents are still ongoing.