Namutumba, (UG):- Authorities in eastern Uganda’s Namutumba District are holding in custody seven leaders from Nsinze Town Council, including their secretary, Totoriani Waiswa for allegedly embezzling over UGX 50 million meant for Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries.
The operation, led by Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Mr Waiswa Paul, unfolded on Thursday, October 3rd culminating in the arrest of the suspects.
Mr Waiswa confirmed the arrest of the suspects emphasizing that these leaders had betrayed the trust placed in them to manage the PDM funds for community development. “This is an outright theft of public funds meant to uplift our communities. We will not tolerate any form of corruption,” the DRDC firmly stated.
Mr Waiswa also issued a stern warning to all PDM leaders across Namutumba district and Uganda at large, cautioning them against misappropriating government funds.
“Let this be a lesson to everyone. PDM money is meant to benefit the people, not to line the pockets of a few individuals. Anyone found tampering with these funds will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
The suspects remain in custody at Namutumba Central Police Station as investigations continue and Mr Waiswa has reassured the public that all efforts will be made to ensure justice is served and to restore public confidence in the PDM initiative.
PDM, a government initiative aimed at alleviating poverty at the grassroots by providing financial support to small-scale enterprises, has been a cornerstone of Uganda’s socio-economic development strategies.
However, the misuse of these funds has increasingly come to light, with several local leaders being implicated in fraudulent schemes.
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