Man arrested over PDM extortion

Paul Wabwire's luck ran out. He was arrested by police for allegedly dipping his unwashed fingers into Parish Development Model (PDM) bowls in Tororo.

Police in Tororo say Wabwire was extorting money from intended beneficiaries of PDM programme in Ticaf Ward, Osukuru Town Council.

According to Tororo Deputy Resident District Commissioner Albert Amula, Wabwire - who is the secretary of a piggery enterprise in Ticaf Ward - was found exploiting the vulnerable residents who were desperately looking for PDM money.

He was caught red-handed with Shs100,000 he had picked from one of the intended beneficiaries by Amula, who had been tipped off by the victim of his extortion.

It's reported that Wabwire approached beneficiaries of the PDM program in the ward, asking each to pay at least One hundred thousand shillings for their names to appear on the list of the beneficiaries.

One of the victims, Grace Nyafwono, narrated her ordeal to nilepost, saying that Wabwire asked her for Shs100,000 for her name to be fixed on the list but she refused.

"I almost gave in the money but something communicated to me not to pay the money," Ms Nyafwono revealed.

Upon his arrest, Wabwire denied the charges, causing his immediate transfer to Tororo Central Police Station, where he's currently detained.

The office of the resident district commissioner warns any individuals who may be involved in similar act that they are closely watching and will not hesitate to arrest anyone, urging locals to report any suspicious individuals who may be taking advantage of their situation in the name of benefiting from PDM program.

According to police spokesperson Bukedi South Moses Mugwe, police is already investigating the matter saying should Wabwire be found guilty, he will be charged with fraud.

Recently, Ticaf ward received 100million PDM fund but to date, the money is still lying idle on account.