Iganga, Uganda: Iganga Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Eric Ssewandigi has issued a June 29 deadline for Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO leaders and other program implementers to refund all money illegally extorted from beneficiaries or face prosecution.
The directive comes amid an ongoing district-wide operation targeting corruption and abuse within the government’s flagship poverty eradication programme.
Ssewandigi said his office has launched a parish-by-parish monitoring exercise across Iganga District after receiving numerous complaints from beneficiaries who were allegedly forced to pay bribes in order to access PDM funds.
“We are moving in all the parishes in Iganga District to monitor the PDM programme, but unfortunately some people were extorted to access the funds. We are recovering every coin which was stolen,” Ssewandigi said.
The RDC revealed that investigations have uncovered several cases where beneficiaries received only a fraction of the Shs1 million allocated under the programme, with the balance allegedly pocketed by unscrupulous officials and SACCO leaders.
“We have been in parishes like Walugogo in Iganga Municipality where someone had to get only Shs100,000 and the Shs900,000 was eaten. Another one got only Shs500,000 instead of Shs1 million. We have since recovered the Shs500,000 and given it to the true beneficiary,” he said.
According to Ssewandigi, the recovery exercise is being conducted under his direct supervision, with officials witnessing the refund process and documenting agreements to ensure that every recovered shilling reaches its rightful owner.
He warned that any officials who fail to return the money by June 29 will face arrest and prosecution.
The crackdown is being conducted by a team comprising Assistant RDCs Tony Nabbala, Mwisi Ronald, Ayub Maganda and Luwangula Baker, who are traversing parishes to verify complaints, interview beneficiaries and document cases of fraud.
The team is also working alongside local government officials, including Iganga Municipal Council Town Clerk Edith Turyasasirwa, to ensure transparency and accountability in the recovery process.
NRM Leaders Back Crackdown
The operation has received backing from NRM District Chairperson Hajj Abubakar Walubi, who blamed corruption and poor supervision for undermining the programme’s objectives.
Speaking during one of the monitoring visits, Walubi said dishonest implementers are tarnishing the image of government programmes intended to uplift vulnerable households.
“I urge leaders in charge of PDM and other programmes to work diligently so that people can benefit and change their poor living conditions. Laziness and poor supervision by leaders are denying citizens the chance to transform their lives through the government programme,” Walubi said.
He warned that corruption within PDM is fueling public frustration and creating negative perceptions about government interventions.
“PDM money is meant to fight poverty, not enrich a few individuals. Those entrusted with implementing the programme must work with honesty and integrity,” he added.
Mayor Responds to Critics
Meanwhile, Iganga Municipal Council Mayor Nasser Kongola used the monitoring exercise to respond to criticism regarding his performance in office.
Kongola said he has undertaken various development initiatives but believes some members of the public have unfairly portrayed him as inactive.
“I am pained by words claiming I have done nothing while in office. I ask people to be patient,” Kongola said.
The mayor insisted that his administration remains committed to supporting government programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
Government Warns Against Paying Bribes
The Parish Development Model was introduced by President Yoweri Museveni’s government to move households from subsistence production into the money economy through direct financial support at parish level.
Under the programme, qualifying beneficiaries receive capital to invest in income-generating activities intended to improve household incomes and reduce poverty.
Government officials have repeatedly emphasized that PDM funds are not loans from individuals or political leaders and should be accessed free of charge.
Ssewandigi urged residents to immediately report any official, SACCO leader or intermediary demanding money in exchange for PDM support.
“No beneficiary should pay a single coin to access government funds. Anyone demanding money should be reported to the RDC’s office or the police for immediate action,” he warned.
The ongoing recovery operation is expected to continue across all parishes in Iganga District before the June 29 deadline, after which criminal proceedings are expected to commence against individuals found culpable of extorting beneficiaries.
The crackdown adds to growing efforts by government to strengthen accountability within the Parish Development Model programme, which remains one of Uganda’s flagship interventions for wealth creation and poverty reduction.
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