Soroti district official remanded over PDM queries
The SACHU reports indicate that she allegedly collected sh20,000 from each PDM beneficiary group under the pretext of registration and certificate renewal, citing stationery costs.
Alajo Hellen, attached to Kengere Ward in Soroti City East Division before Soroti Chief Magistrate's Court. (Photos by Martin Okwera)
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A Community Development Officer in Soroti City has been remanded to prison on charges of obtaining money by false pretence in a case linked to beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Alajo Hellen, attached to Kengere Ward in Soroti City’s East Division, appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court following her arrest by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Prosecutors allege that on February 11, 2026, Alajo attempted to defraud more than 121 beneficiaries by falsely claiming she would facilitate renewal of a certificate for the Ejoka Edeke Poultry Group, a process that was never completed.
The SACHU reports indicate that she allegedly collected sh20,000 from each PDM beneficiary group under the pretext of registration and certificate renewal, citing stationery costs.
She is also accused of directing beneficiaries to pay sh10,000 each after receiving the sh1 million PDM allocation, saying that the money would compensate community-based facilitators who conducted training sessions.
Prosecutors' file also stated that Alajo allegedly told beneficiaries that they would be required to pay sh 50,000 each to access funding in the next financial year, again purportedly to support facilitators.
Appearing before Grade One Magistrate Kasujja Kibirige Apollo, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Her lawyer, Philip Egulu, informed court that the defence was ready to proceed with a bail application and presented two sureties.
However, State Prosecutor Emmanuel Bamwesinge opposed the bail request, citing ongoing investigations. The prosecution also raised concerns about the credibility of one surety, identified as Chebet Stella, who was reportedly previously registered as a complainant in a cattle theft case under a different name, Aero Stella.
The court remanded Alajo to prison until April 27, 2026, when the bail application will be revisited.
The case adds to a growing list of enforcement actions targeting alleged abuse of the Parish Development Model, a flagship government initiative aimed at boosting household incomes.
Authorities say the crackdown reflects intensified efforts to safeguard public funds and protect vulnerable beneficiaries from exploitation.