The Lira Chief Magistrates Court has convicted and sentenced Sarah Atim, the Chairperson of Ipito Aweno Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO in Lira City, to one year, 11 months, and three weeks in prison on charges of obtaining money by false pretense.
Atim was found guilty of fraudulently soliciting money from various chairpersons of PDM groups in Lira City West Division under the pretense of overseeing their online registration. Investigations revealed that she had no such authority but instead used her position to exploit unsuspecting PDM beneficiaries.
According to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Atim obtained millions of shillings from thousands of PDM beneficiaries in Lira District, falsely promising to facilitate their access to funds.
Following her arraignment in court, the prosecution presented compelling evidence that led to her conviction. The magistrate ruled that Atim had taken advantage of vulnerable beneficiaries, many of whom were struggling to access financial support under the PDM initiative.
Her sentencing marks a significant step in the ongoing crackdown on corruption within the PDM program, which was introduced to alleviate poverty at the grassroots level by providing financial support to organised groups. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring that the program benefits intended recipients without interference from fraudulent individuals.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit has urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to the mismanagement of PDM funds, emphasising that such cases will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
Atim’s conviction serves as a warning to officials entrusted with public funds, highlighting the government’s zero-tolerance approach to corruption in financial programs meant to uplift communities.