News
Three Lira PDM officials held over alleged sh1m fraud
The suspects, including the ward chairperson and secretary, are accused of fraudulently registering beneficiaries and using National Identity Cards belonging to other individuals to access PDM funds.
Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson warned leaders involved in government programmes against exploiting beneficiaries and engaging in corrupt practices. (Photo by Hudson Apunyo)
By: Hudson Apunyo, Journalist @New Vision
________________
Three officials linked to the implementation of the Parish Developmnt Model (PDM) in Blue Corner Ward, Lira City West Division, have been arrested over allegations of embezzling funds meant for beneficiaries under the Government's poverty eradication programme.
The suspects, including the ward chairperson and secretary, are accused of fraudulently registering beneficiaries and using National Identity Cards belonging to other individuals to access PDM funds.
According to Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, investigations commenced after the Resident City Commissioner's (RCC's) office received numerous complaints from residents alleging irregularities in the management of PDM funds.
"Preliminary findings indicate that some executive members registered beneficiaries and permitted the use of National Identity Cards belonging to other persons in order to fraudulently access funds under the programme," Okema said.
Police identified the suspects as Richard Oludi, the chairperson of the PDM executive committee in Blue Corner Ward; Ruth Nankabirwa, the secretary; and Linda Tino Auma, a committee member, who is accused of using the National Identity Card of Gloria Apio to obtain sh1m under the programme.
The three were arrested on June 23 following a joint operation by police officers and officials from the RCC's office. They are currently being held at Lira City West Division Police station as investigations continue.
A case of embezzlement of PDM funds has since been registered against them.
Police have recorded statements from several complainants, including Gloria Apio, Lakana Opio, Molly Akullu, Celinda Kia, Peace Apio, Harriet Acen and Lilly Awor. Statements have also been obtained from the suspects.
To strengthen investigations, police have secured court orders allowing access to bank records from Pride Microfinance Bank and DFCU Bank, where investigators hope to trace transactions linked to the alleged fraud.
Police identified the suspects as Richard Oludi, the chairperson of the PDM executive committee in Blue Corner Ward; Ruth Nankabirwa, the secretary; and Linda Tino Auma, a committee member, who is accused of using the National Identity Card of Gloria Apio to obtain sh1m under the programme.
The three were arrested on June 23 following a joint operation by police officers and officials from the RCC's office. They are currently being held at Lira City West Division Police station as investigations continue.
A case of embezzlement of PDM funds has since been registered against them.
Police have recorded statements from several complainants, including Gloria Apio, Lakana Opio, Molly Akullu, Celinda Kia, Peace Apio, Harriet Acen and Lilly Awor. Statements have also been obtained from the suspects.
To strengthen investigations, police have secured court orders allowing access to bank records from Pride Microfinance Bank and DFCU Bank, where investigators hope to trace transactions linked to the alleged fraud.
Okema said the case file will be forwarded to the Resident Chief State Attorney upon completion of investigations for legal guidance and possible prosecution.
The allegations add to growing concerns over the misuse of funds intended for government empowerment programmes.
Police noted that similar complaints have previously emerged in community initiatives, including cattle restocking programmes, where some local leaders have allegedly demanded money from intended beneficiaries before facilitating access to government support.
Launched by President Yoweri Museveni in 2022, the PDM is a government strategy aimed at moving households from subsistence farming into the money economy.
Under the programme, each parish receives revolving funds that are lent to organised community members to invest in income-generating activities such as farming, trade and small-scale enterprises. Initially, each group was receiving sh100m, but the President has since promised that the money would be increased to sh200m.
The initiative is a cornerstone of Uganda's poverty reduction agenda and is designed to improve household incomes, create jobs and stimulate economic growth at the grassroots level. However, reports of corruption, ghost beneficiaries and mismanagement of funds in some parts of the country have raised concerns about its implementation.
Okema warned leaders involved in government programmes against exploiting beneficiaries and engaging in corrupt practices.
"The Uganda Police Force strongly cautions all leaders and individuals entrusted with government empowerment programmes to desist from corruption and abuse of office," he said.
Okema also urged members of the public not to pay bribes or inducements to programme officials but instead report any suspected wrongdoing to the relevant authorities.
The arrests are likely to renew scrutiny of the management of PDM funds in Lira City and elsewhere as government intensifies efforts to ensure that resources intended for poverty alleviation reach the rightful beneficiaries.
The allegations add to growing concerns over the misuse of funds intended for government empowerment programmes.
Police noted that similar complaints have previously emerged in community initiatives, including cattle restocking programmes, where some local leaders have allegedly demanded money from intended beneficiaries before facilitating access to government support.
Launched by President Yoweri Museveni in 2022, the PDM is a government strategy aimed at moving households from subsistence farming into the money economy.
Under the programme, each parish receives revolving funds that are lent to organised community members to invest in income-generating activities such as farming, trade and small-scale enterprises. Initially, each group was receiving sh100m, but the President has since promised that the money would be increased to sh200m.
The initiative is a cornerstone of Uganda's poverty reduction agenda and is designed to improve household incomes, create jobs and stimulate economic growth at the grassroots level. However, reports of corruption, ghost beneficiaries and mismanagement of funds in some parts of the country have raised concerns about its implementation.
Okema warned leaders involved in government programmes against exploiting beneficiaries and engaging in corrupt practices.
"The Uganda Police Force strongly cautions all leaders and individuals entrusted with government empowerment programmes to desist from corruption and abuse of office," he said.
Okema also urged members of the public not to pay bribes or inducements to programme officials but instead report any suspected wrongdoing to the relevant authorities.
The arrests are likely to renew scrutiny of the management of PDM funds in Lira City and elsewhere as government intensifies efforts to ensure that resources intended for poverty alleviation reach the rightful beneficiaries.