Apac, Uganda: Apac Municipality Town Clerk Paul Muboki has issued a directive ordering all Parish Development Model (PDM) leaders who have declared political ambitions to resign from their positions and immediately hand over government-issued equipment.
Speaking on Friday during the handover of a beekeeping machine to over 30 farmers, Muboki said it was unacceptable for individuals to hold positions in the flagship poverty eradication programme while simultaneously engaging in partisan politics.
“We must choose integrity over convenience. Those using PDM to advance political ambitions must resign. It is double-dealing and against the spirit of service,” Muboki declared. “You cannot serve two masters. You’re either working for the people through government programmes or you’re campaigning for personal power.”
The Clerk’s directive has, however, sparked sharp political controversy, especially in Atopi and Oyo Wards in Arocha Division and Central Ward in Akere Division, where several PDM leaders have already declared their intentions to contest in the 2026 elections.
Apac Municipality Mayor Patrick Ongom Eyul openly rejected Muboki’s directive, insisting it has no legal or policy backing. “There is no existing policy or directive from central government requiring PDM leaders to resign upon declaring political interest,” Eyul told DailyExpress in an exclusive interview. “We are running a government of laws, not individuals’ opinions.”
He warned that arbitrary enforcement could disrupt service delivery and alienate leaders trusted by communities. “This is a sensitive time. If we start purging leaders without policy backing, we risk derailing the entire PDM programme,” Eyul said.
PDM leaders join pushback
PDM Chairperson for Angayiki Ward, Mr. Peter Abor, described the directive as “politically motivated.” His views were echoed by Mr. Geoffrey Ococ, PDM head for Central Ward and an aspirant for LC3 chairperson, Akere Division, who accused Muboki of overstepping his mandate.
“Our communities chose us because of our commitment to service, not because of our political choices. Why should that change now?” Ococ asked, warning that the directive was sowing confusion ahead of elections.
Municipal Production and Marketing Officer and PDM Coordinator, Ms. Anna Grace Akite, raised concern about growing public mistrust, citing complaints that some leaders were using PDM activities to build political support.
“When communities feel that access to PDM is based on political allegiance, we lose the very essence of inclusivity and fairness,” she said, naming wards in Akere and Arocha divisions as hotspots.
While leaders traded accusations, farmers like David Ebong Ngwen, a beneficiary of the new beekeeping screening machine, called for focus on service delivery. “This machine will help us improve honey production. That’s what matters to us. Let the leaders stop fighting and focus on what helps the people,” he said.
Other residents, including Ms. Sarah Apio of Bung Ward and Ms. Florence Aciro of Oyo Ward, said the political wrangles risk stalling a programme many consider their only hope for livelihood support.
Anti-corruption activists have also weighed in. Mr. Tom Opwonya of the Apac Anti-Corruption Coalition warned that without a national policy framework, “what is happening in Apac could repeat across Uganda, jeopardizing both democracy and development.”
In the parishes and wards affected, tension is growing. Farmers and local beneficiaries now find themselves caught between political power plays and the fight for livelihoods. “We just want to farm and benefit from PDM, but now leaders are fighting among themselves. We’re the ones suffering,” said Ms. Florence Aciro, a farmer in Oyo Ward, Arocha Division.
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