KOLE, UGANDA: Police in Kole District have arrested the Chairperson of Ayamo Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO, Tom Okello, over allegations of extortion and sexual exploitation of beneficiaries seeking access to government funds.
Okello was arrested on Monday at the district headquarters during a meeting convened by Kole North MP Dr Samuel Opio Acuti, after SACCO members presented complaints detailing alleged abuse of the programme.
The meeting, initially intended to review PDM implementation, turned tense as residents accused the SACCO leadership of demanding money and, in some cases, sexual favours in exchange for access to funds.
Several members told the meeting they were asked to pay facilitation fees, allegedly to influence approval of their applications.
“We were told that without paying, your name would not be forwarded,” said Mzee Luzino Okello, an elderly farmer who claimed he paid Shs120,000 but never received support.
Another resident said: “We were convinced the money was meant for district leaders, but later realised it was not true.”
Others described a pattern where beneficiaries felt pressured to pay out of fear of being excluded. “It became like a requirement, yet it is not in the guidelines,” one member said.
But the meeting was sparked when some women alleged that the demands went beyond money. “One day he told me that if I wanted my name to be considered quickly, I had to ‘be close to him.’ I refused, and I was never called again,” one woman told the gathering.
Another, Grace Atim, said: “He would suggest there were other ways to secure the money apart from paying. It made many of us uncomfortable.”
A third woman, Shara Akullo, alleged that even after payments, further demands were made, creating fear and silence among victims.
The testimonies sparked concern among attendees, with calls for immediate action against those implicated.
Dr Acuti condemned the alleged actions, saying they undermine the purpose of the Parish Development Model. “This programme is meant to uplift households from poverty, not to subject them to exploitation,” he said.
He stressed that the law would take its course. “Whoever is found culpable will face the law without fear or favour. We cannot tolerate impunity,” he added.
Police officers at the meeting arrested Okello on the spot. He remains in custody as investigations continue.
Authorities say more victims are expected to record statements to support the case.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about oversight and accountability in the Parish Development Model, particularly at the SACCO level where funds are accessed.
Residents have called for stricter monitoring mechanisms to protect beneficiaries and restore confidence in the programme.
As investigations progress, attention now turns to whether justice will be delivered and systemic gaps addressed.
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