Luuka, Uganda: Two Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO leaders in Luuka District have been charged with four counts of corruption over allegations of extorting money from program beneficiaries in Busalamu Town Council.
The accused, Nangobi Safina (42), Secretary of Busalamu South Ward SACCO, and Treasurer Nakangu Ziyada, appeared before Iganga Chief Magistrate Daniel Epobu Kiboko on Friday, September 5, 2025. They were charged alongside SACCO Chairperson Buwote Stephen, who remains at large.
Prosecution told court that between May and July 2025, the trio and others still at large fraudulently obtained money from PDM beneficiaries by falsely claiming payments were a prerequisite to access funds. Victims included Makiika Julius (Shs46,000), Kyesubire Scovia (Shs56,000), Nabona Farouk (Shs46,000), and Namulondo Betty (Shs30,000).
The suspects were arrested in a joint operation by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and Luuka Police, with efforts ongoing to trace their accomplices.
In court, the accused sought bail on medical grounds, citing the need to access treatment for diabetes. But, Magistrate Epobu remanded them until September 16, 2025, pending their bail application.
The State Attorney informed court that investigations were complete and requested a date for hearing.
The development follows concerns raised by Luuka RDC, Mr. Kibwika Micheal, who convened a stakeholders’ meeting to address widespread complaints of extortion, selective vetting, and list manipulation within the PDM program.
The meeting resolved to intensify investigations into corruption tendencies, conduct a district performance review, enhance beneficiary sensitization, and ensure extension staff dedicate more time to community support.
If you would like your article/opinion to be published on Uganda’s most authoritative news platform, send your submission on: [email protected]. You can also follow DailyExpress on WhatsApp and on Twitter (X) for realtime updates.
