Nabbanja halts PDM cash distribution in Masaka
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has put a halt to the distribution of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds following allegations of misallocation and discrepancies in beneficiary selection.
This decision came after widespread complaints from residents of Masaka, who expressed dismay over not receiving the funds intended to uplift impoverished communities.
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This prompted Nabbanja to call beneficiaries in Kamuzinda for a testimony but to her shock, those who came were coffee traders, forcing forced her to question the PDM coordinator in Masaka John Baptist Matovu for explanations.
“How can you give money for the poor people to coffee traders?” Nabbanja asked.
Speaking to a gathering at Kamuzinda playgrounds, Prime Minister Nabbanja voiced her concern, stating, "Reports indicating that the funds meant for the Parish Development Model have not reached the intended beneficiaries. This goes against the very purpose of this initiative, which is to empower the poorest in our communities."
The uproar from Masaka residents prompted Nabbanja to launch a thorough investigation into the matter.
"I am deeply troubled by the allegations of funds not reaching those in need. It is imperative that we identify the root cause of this issue and ensure accountability," she emphasized.
Nabbanja took decisive action by instructing Masaka's Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Teopista Lule Ssenkungu, along with PDM coordinator John
Baptist Matovu and Minister Kyeyune Haruna Kasolo, to prevail over PDM funds.
"I have directed the suspension of further disbursements until a comprehensive analysis of the situation is completed," Nabbanja announced.
Kasolo these things are not there in my constituency.
"I was told you have two sub counties in this constituency one has five parishes and another one has nine those are fourteen parishes me I have 250 parishes but I went in each parish.So, Kasolo I want you to work with RDC and prevail over this because they are distributing funds to the rich people yet the PDM funds are for the poor people ,"Nabbanja said.
She directed that the program is halted until lists of beneficiaries are verified.
John Baptist Matovu, the coordinator responsible for overseeing the PDM in Masaka, defended the actions, claiming that the funds were disbursed as intended.
"The funds were allocated to individuals based on the criteria set forth. At the time of distribution, we ensured that the money reached those who were eligible," Matovu stated.
Masaka locals spoke out on the directive by the prime minister.
"We were hopeful that the Parish Development Model would bring positive change to our communities," lamented Paul Musoke, a resident, reflecting the sentiments of many.
However, Nabbanja assured the public of her commitment to addressing the issues surrounding the PDM funds.
"I promise to thoroughly investigate this matter and take appropriate actions to restore trust and ensure that the Parish Development Model fulfils its intended purpose," she affirmed.
