The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Buyende, Paul Kalikwani, has directed the Local Council I (LC I) chairperson of Green Zone in Kabugudho Ward, Kidera Town Council, to refund Shs 400,000 collected from residents under the pretext of internet data charges for accessing Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
Joseph Tumwebaze, the LC I chairperson of Green Zone, reportedly collected Shs 20,000 from each of 20 residents, including Grace Nabukalu, the chairperson for women’s affairs on his executive committee.
During a meeting held at Kabugudho Primary School, Nabukalu told the RDC that she handed over the money to Tumwebaze, who acknowledged receiving it.
“I am disappointed that this matter concerning the money remains a source of distress to me because this was my hard-earned money,” Nabukalu said.
Tumwebaze admitted receiving money from residents but claimed he acted on instructions from the Community Development Officer and Town Agent to mobilise funds for internet data needed to facilitate access to PDM funds.
“Her statements are accurate, but I was acting under the directive of the Community Development Officer and the Town Agent to mobilise money for mobile internet data. I collected the money and handed it over to them,” Tumwebaze said.
During the meeting, another resident, Tapenensi Tibyaze, accused an LC official identified as Genze from Na of using her National Identification card to access PDM funds and allegedly giving her only Shs 60,000.
Tibyaze asked the RDC to intervene and help recover the money.
Alex Kasajja, a resident who petitioned the RDC, said the management of PDM funds has been affected by allegations of corruption, bribery, nepotism and bureaucratic delays, which he said discourage beneficiaries from participating in the programme.
Kasajja also accused some LC officials of politicising the programme by allegedly prioritising people who supported them during election campaigns. He called for urgent intervention to address the concerns before they escalate.
David Sembatya, the LC II chairperson and chairperson of the Kabugudho Ward PDM committee, blamed Town Agent Steven Gwaidho for the challenges affecting the programme.
Sembatya accused Gwaidho of providing misleading information to residents who had not received PDM funds, creating confusion and divisions within the community. He said local leaders had already petitioned relevant authorities to have the town agent transferred.
Kidera Town Council Mayor Patrick Tezikuba also blamed Gwaidho for the alleged mismanagement of PDM funds, accusing him of manipulating beneficiary lists and withdrawing money on behalf of other people.
Tezikuba called for the town agent to refund the money so that genuine beneficiaries can access the funds.
He dismissed allegations that he received Shs 6 million as a ransom, saying he was ready to face any legal process because he was not above the law.
The mayor further alleged that quarterly government allowances meant for Parish Development Council activities had been diverted by the town agent for personal benefit, and vowed to take action unless the funds were recovered.
However, Gwaidho denied the allegations, saying he only follows directives from his supervisors, including the town clerk.
He said residents who had not yet received PDM funds, including Bateganya and Kiiza, had already been included on the beneficiary list and promised to resolve the matter.
RDC Kalikwani warned members of PDM committees, including vetting, loans and supervisory committees, against engaging in corruption, saying those found guilty would face legal action.
He directed the Kidera Town Council mayor to compile and submit a list of PDM beneficiaries from the previous two quarters, warning that individuals who fail to appear would be considered nonexistent.
“I have observed corruption, mismanagement, intimidation, bribery, patronage, extortion and continued failure to follow PDM guidelines. I will intensify mobilisation efforts to ensure the programme benefits ordinary citizens, and those who violate the guidelines will face the law,” Kalikwani warned.
The RDC also directed the Green Zone LC I chairperson to refund the money collected from the 20 residents and tasked the District Police Commander with bringing forward two complainants, Francis Epyangu and Moses Bateganya, who did not attend the meeting despite having received their payments before the meeting.