Bukomansimbi PDM chairperson arrested over theft of funds

Security in Bukomansimbi, led by Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Fred Kalema Pax, has  arrested Hajji Baker Male, the Parish Development Model (PDM) chairperson of Kisiita Ward in Butenga Subcounty, over allegations of embezzling community funds.

Male’s arrest comes after multiple complaints from community members accusing him and his colleague, Ssalongo Emmanuel Kwatta, of defrauding residents of their PDM entitlements.

The complaints, filed by several members of the Kisiita SACCO, allege that Hajji Male and Ssalongo Kwatta confiscated residents' phones and national identity cards under the guise of assisting them in accessing PDM funds.

Despite assurances from the duo, many residents never received the funds, although the distribution process had officially concluded in Kisiita parish.

Juliet Nassuuna, one of the SACCO members, recounted her experience.

“He told me that he needed my phone and national ID to secure the money on my behalf. Trusting him, I gave them to him, but when I arrived at the distribution center, they told me I would only get Shs 100,000, despite the message on my phone indicating I was entitled to Shs 1 million.”

Nassuuna’s story is echoed by other SACCO members, including Charles Kanyamihingo and George William Yiga, who claim they were underpaid.

“The process was completed using my phone and national ID, yet I received only Shs 100,000. Who is responsible for paying back the loan now?” Kanyamihingo questioned, visibly frustrated.

Yiga added that his name appeared on the PDM distribution list despite never being a registered member of the SACCO.

“Ssalongo Kwatta approached me, claiming he had a deal and offered me Shs 150,000 if I let him use my phone and national ID for two days. He returned them, but I was shocked to see my name on the list, even though I don’t live in Kisiita Parish and have never registered for any PDM funds.”

The widespread complaints prompted Deputy RDC Fred Kalema Pax to personally visit the site where the PDM funds were being distributed.

Though the distribution exercise had already concluded, the deputy RDC  found Male with a list of beneficiaries. The list included names of individuals who had allegedly not received their full entitlements, and others who were not SACCO members and were unaware of the PDM scheme.

“The distribution list also includes names of people who do not even belong to the SACCO and had no knowledge of PDM funds,” Kalema remarked, further intensifying concerns about the scale of the fraud.

In response, the deputy RDC  ordered the immediate arrest and detention of Hajji Baker Male.

He also instructed  Ssalongo Emmanuel Kwatta  to report to the Butenga police station for questioning regarding his role in the alleged fraud.

The investigation revealed that many residents who were supposed to receive Shs 1 million only got Shs 100,000.

One person on the list was promised Shs 200,000, but no one received the full amount stipulated by the government. The total shortfall is estimated to exceed Shs 800,000.

“The names on the list show people have received Shs 1 million, yet they’ve only received Shs 100,000. This indicates a serious problem, and it suggests that even the parish chief may be involved in this scheme,” the deputy RDC said.

"Stop looting PDM funds. If you want to steal, go and take your grandfathers’ land instead,” he warned.

Male denied the accusations, claiming that SACCO members had sent Ssalongo Kwatta to collect the money on their behalf.

“That is not true. The SACCO members know their own PIN codes, and the money came directly to their phones. During the withdrawal, they received Shs 906,000. Let them ask the people they sent to collect the money how they knew their PINs,” Male explained in his defense.

This case is part of a broader trend of mismanagement and embezzlement surrounding the PDM fund distribution in various districts.

In early August, several PDM chairpersons and parish chiefs were arrested in Bukomansimbi after the National PDM Deputy chairperson Jovrine Kaliisa uncovered cases of widespread corruption in the distribution of funds.

These cases have heightened fears among residents about the integrity of the PDM program.

As investigations continue, residents are appealing to government leaders to step out of their offices and take a hands-on approach in monitoring the distribution of PDM funds.

“We need our leaders to ensure the money reaches the intended beneficiaries because many of us have been defrauded by PDM officials in our district,” Joseph Ssewava a resident of Bukomansimbi urged.

The arrest of Male marks a significant step in addressing the growing concerns of corruption within the PDM program.

However, with more cases of fraud emerging, it remains to be seen whether authorities will take stricter measures to safeguard the interests of the community.