Summary:
- They are accused of extorting between 100,000 and 150,000 Shillings from beneficiaries.
KISORO: Seven officials, including a Parish Chief, a PDM Sacco Chairperson, and several town agents from Muramba Sub County and Bunagana Town Council in Kisoro District, have been arrested for allegedly extorting individuals seeking to benefit from the Parish Development Model (PDM) project.
The accused are; Kakuze Pauline, Gisozi Parish Chief in Muramba Sub County, Ndazigaruye Emmanuel, Chairperson of Sooko PDM Sacco, Nshimiyimana Grolia, town agent for Maziba Ward, Murekatete Agnes, office attendant at Bunagana Town Council, Nyirabutumwa Phoebe, town agent for Gitowa Ward, Nyiramugisha Jennifer, town agent for Bunagana Ward. They are accused of extorting between 100,000 and 150,000 Shillings from beneficiaries.
The arrests occurred on Thursday during an assessment and review of the PDM impact in Kisoro, conducted by the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC). During the review, community members were asked to anonymously report officials who had demanded bribes to access PDM benefits.
Kisoro RDC Hajji Badru Ssebyala emphasized the pervasive nature of corruption and urged the public to cooperate with authorities to combat it.
Cue in Ssebyala… on corruption… ENG//
Kisoro Deputy RDC Robert Tukamuhebwa ordered the arrests following complaints from beneficiaries who accused the officials of incompetence and extortion. Tukamuhebwa disclosed that the officials were being investigated for extorting money from PDM beneficiaries and instructed them to report to the police for questioning.
Cue in Robert… on arrest……RR.ENG//
John Bosco Nteziyaremye, Sooko Parish Chief, was also arrested for allegedly taking bribes before adding beneficiaries to the list. According to Valence Hagumimana, the Kisoro Assistant RDC, the assessment will extend to all Sub Counties and Town Councils, starting with Muramba Sub County and Bunagana Town Council. Hagumimana encouraged the public to come forward with information about any extortion.
Cue in Valence… on PDM……..RR//
Kisoro OWC Coordinator Col Deo Kaita warned PDM beneficiaries that the funds are refundable and that those who fail to comply will face legal action. He urged parish chiefs and town agents to be vigilant in their duties and warned that those involved in corruption will be prosecuted and held accountable.
Cue in Kaita… on parish chiefs……..RR//
