PDM SACCO head arrested in Sheema
Security officials in Sheema district have arrested the Parish Development Model (PDM) chairperson for allegedly extorting money from beneficiaries of the program.
The Parish Development Model (PDM) is a government-led initiative aimed to move 39% of the country’s 45 million population from subsistence living to the money economy and reduce poverty. Each of Uganda’s 10,594 parishes has received a total of 200 million shillings in installments.
The culprit has been identified as Katushabe Juliet, the chairperson of Masyoro Parish Development Model SACCO.
She was arrested on orders of the District Deputy Resident Commissioner, Sam Orikunda after receiving several complaints from beneficiaries that she had been soliciting funds from them which is an offense.
He said that the suspect had demanded between Shs 200,000 to Shs 300,000 to have the names of the beneficiaries included on the list to be submitted to benefit from the program.
Kyotungire Annah, a resident of Masyoro Parish claims Juliet, the Parish Development Model chairperson, has extorted over 70 people since the program started.
This is not the first time security has arrested leaders in the PDM program scandals. Last November, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) arrested two district councillors including District Speaker Robert Nkwemerire who also serves as Masheruka Subcounty LCV councillor and Robert Matsiko the Masheruka Town Council LCV councillor. They were accused of forcefully benefiting from Parish Development Model (PDM) funds which is against presidential directives stating that civil servants and political leaders are not eligible for the program.
