Kiryandongo – Four individuals, including a town agent, have been arrested in connection with the theft of approximately Shs1 million from the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds intended to aid the poor in Kiryandongo Town Council.
The suspects, identified as Juliet Katusabe (Northern Ward town agent), Anguliga (Sacco leader), Edward Katusiime (PDM enterprise leader from Mukonogum cell), and Mary Atim (Secretary under the Kiryandongo District Production Department), were detained on April 22, 2025, following an investigation into the misuse of funds.
The theft came to light after Mrs. Katusiime Oliva, a resident of Runyanya village, reported that her National Identification Card, SIM card, and photocopies were used without her consent to register and withdraw funds from the PDM program.
Mary Atim allegedly used Mrs. Katusiime’s personal documents to access the funds.
The Kiryandongo District authorities, including Assistant RDC Mr. Mbabazi Sam and Deputy RDC Mr. Akakwetereho Jonathan, initiated an investigation, leading to the arrests.
Mr. Sam Mbabazi urged the public to report any PDM-related complaints to his office, while Kiryandongo Town Council Clerk Madam Tusabe Lydia condemned the actions and called for legal action.
Deputy RDC Jonathan Akakwetereho emphasized the importance of ensuring that PDM funds benefit the intended poor beneficiaries, warning that those found guilty would face the full force of the law.
Kiryandongo Resident District Commissioner Mr. Dan Muganga ordered the arrest of anyone found guilty of stealing from the program, highlighting the need for integrity in handling public funds.
Local resident Musa Matende expressed his support for the arrests, saying they would help curb the growing complaints about PDM fund mismanagement.
The suspects remain in custody at Kiryandongo Central Police Station as investigations continue. They are expected to appear in court soon, with further cases from other beneficiaries under scrutiny.
This incident underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of PDM funds to ensure they reach those in need.