State House Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Uganda Police and local leaders have revealed mismanagement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds and so far, recovered Shs10 million in Sheema District.
“So far over Shs10 million has been recovered and more is expected to be recovered,” revealed the Anti-corruption Unit.
The probe was initiated after complaints surfaced about funds being allocated to unqualified beneficiaries in Kabwohe, Sheema District.
Among the irregular recipients were teachers and local leaders who were not intended to benefit from the program.
Notably, three key district officials are now suspects in the case; Nkwemereire Robert, District Speaker, Winson Asasira Kafurembe, District Commercial Officer, and Robert Masiko, Councilor for Masheruka Town Council and Secretary for Production.
Investigations have unveiled a scheme involving SACCO leaders who, in collusion with the District Commercial Officer, bypassed the Parish Development Committees (PDCs). These committees are responsible for verifying the legitimacy of beneficiaries but were disregarded in favor of a bribery scheme. Allegedly, those who could pay bribes were fraudulently marked as eligible for the funds, leading to a series of unlawful payments.
“Investigations have so far revealed that some SACCO leaders connived with the Commercial Officer to make irregular payments of the funds by disregarding the Parish Development Committees (PDC), which are charged with the responsibility of verifying rightful beneficiaries,” added in statement.
The misuse of PDM funds meant to empower communities at the parish level has sparked outrage, with calls for stricter accountability and punishment for those involved.
The recovery efforts, led by the Anti-Corruption Unit, are ongoing as authorities work to hold the perpetrators accountable and restore integrity to the fund distribution process.
