Lira, (UG):- The Lira Chief Magistrates Court has sentenced Sarah Atim, the chairperson of Ipito Aweno Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO in Lira City West Division, to one year, 11 months, and three weeks in prison for charges related to the mismanagement of PDM funds.
Atim, who appeared before the court on Monday, March 10, was found guilty of obtaining money by false pretense from PDM beneficiaries in the northern Uganda District.
The State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the police, arrested Atim in May 2024 following allegations of extorting money from various PDM groups under the guise of facilitating their access to government funds.
Reports indicated that Atim solicited sums ranging from UGX 50,000 to UGX 1 million from beneficiaries, promising to expedite their access to PDM funds.
The prosecution detailed multiple incidents where Atim, with intent to defraud, obtained money from PDM group members by falsely pretending to register their groups online. For instance, in November 2023, she reportedly received UGX 50,000 from Joe Abuka, the chairperson of Can Onoto Wa PDM group, under such pretenses.
Before the court, Atim was charged with six counts of obtaining money by false pretense, contrary to Section 305 of the Penal Code Act.
Despite initially pleading not guilty to the charges, the evidence presented led to her eventual conviction and sentence, a bravery court action to deter others who might exploit government initiatives for personal gain.
The Parish Development Model is a government-led initiative aimed at transforming subsistence households into the money economy by channeling funds directly to organized groups at the parish level.
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