A section of teachers in Namisindwa District has been ordered to refund Parish Development Model (PDM) funds amounting to Shs1 million each, following allegations of irregular access and misuse of funds intended for community beneficiaries.
In a directive dated April 8, 2026, issued by the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the affected education staff—including head teachers, deputy head teachers, education assistants, and senior education assistants—were accused of violating PDM guidelines by benefiting from the programme as civil servants.
According to the communication, findings from the Parish Development Model Information System (PDMIS), alongside resolutions from review meetings held in March, pointed to collusion among some officials involved in the control and management of PDM funds at parish level.
The CAO directed all implicated individuals to refund the money with interest by April 20, 2026, warning that failure to comply could result in the matter being referred to the Uganda Police Force for further investigation.
“The purpose of this communication is to direct you refund the above funds with interest not later than 20th April, 2026,” the letter states.
The directive follows growing public concern over alleged mismanagement of funds under the Parish Development Model, a government initiative aimed at transitioning households from subsistence to participation in the money economy.
Authorities say the involvement of civil servants as direct beneficiaries undermines the programme’s core objective of targeting vulnerable communities.
The letter further indicates that a list of affected teachers has been compiled, with those seeking clarification advised to formally respond within the stipulated timeframe before enforcement measures are taken.
The development adds to increasing scrutiny surrounding the implementation of the Parish Development Model across the country, with renewed calls for transparency, accountability, and stricter enforcement of guidelines in the management of public resources.
Local leaders in Namisindwa are yet to issue a comprehensive public response, but the directive signals a firm step toward enforcing compliance and restoring confidence in the programme.