Govt vows no leniency for PDM funds thieves

The gove07rnment of Ugandan has announced its commitment to arrest and dismiss officials found guilty of embezzling funds from the Parish Development Model (PDM).

Deputy PDM National Coordinator, Jovrine Kaliisa Kyomukama, made the announcement while touring Bukomansimbi to monitor the progress of PDM initiatives in the district.

“We will arrest and expel from office any official who has misappropriated PDM funds. They will also be required to return the stolen money, '' Kaliisa warned.

This warning follows reports of widespread embezzlement in Bukomansimbi district, where several district parish chiefs have been implicated. Residents have expressed their frustration and pain over the misappropriation of funds meant to uplift their communities.

Halimah Namayanja a resident from Maleku Parish in Kibinge subcounty stated, “We have not seen a single penny from the PDM funds. The parish chief ask us for money to include us in the program, but we are left out.”

Harriet Namazzi and Rose Nagirinya residents of Kiryasaka parish also shared their experience, “We receive text messages stating that we have received 1,000,000 shillings, but the money is never in our accounts. Some of us have even been forced to pay insurance money for funds that never reach us.”

The Kibinge Subcounty chief Andrew Ssali, along with several PDM parishes chairpersons, were arrested. The government has vowed to hold all those responsible accountable.

“The system is rife with fraud,” said Peter Ssendi a resident of Kibinge. “They tell us we have to pay a security deposit for some one from “WENDI” who transports the money, but we never see the money.”

The PDM sacco committee leaders have also voiced their concerns, noting that they have never received the shs.250,000 shillings they are supposed to receive every quarter.

During a meeting with residents and local leaders, Jovrine Kaliisa summoned Kiryasaka parish PDM chairperson Hajji Twaha Lusiba and secretary Justine Nagujja to explain the missing funds.

Jovrine Kaliisa emphasized that corruption has fueled the public's resentment towards President Museveni, despite his efforts to alleviate poverty.

“The greedy individuals who have misused these funds are the reason for the hatred towards President Museveni,” Kaliisa stated. They received salaries but still, they steal the money for the poor people.

Kibinge subcounty, one of the Subcounties that make Bukomansimbi district has five parishes but was highlighted for its significant discrepancies.

Kibinge was allocated 534 million shillings last financial year 2023-2024, but no one knows where the money is.

“The government will invest other 500 million shillings in each SACCO, and we will ensure these funds reach the beneficiaries,” Kaliisa assured. “Those who try to embezzle these funds will face severe consequences.”

The PDM program, now in its second year, was launched with the aim of lifting Ugandans out of poverty. However, the rampant corruption has undermined its objectives.