Authorities in Rukungiri District have arrested two Murama Parish officials in Nyakishenyi sub-county for allegedly extorting money from residents seeking to benefit from the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM) program.
The suspects, identified as Twesigomwe Justus, the Murama Parish Chief, and Tweheyo Frank, the chairperson of the Murama PDM Sacco, were apprehended on Thursday on the orders of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Bron Kikanshemeza. Their arrest followed a heated community meeting held at Nangala Church of Uganda, where residents raised complaints against them.
Community members accused the duo of charging beneficiaries between Shs 30,000 and Shs 45,000 as a condition for accessing PDM funds. Those who failed to pay the money were reportedly denied the opportunity to benefit from the government program.
In their defense, the suspects admitted to collecting money but claimed it was intended to facilitate transport, meals, and other logistical costs during Sacco and PDM-related activities.
CUE IN SUSPECTS….ON DEFENSE…..RR//
However, RDC Kikanshemeza dismissed their justification, describing the practice as illegal and a betrayal of public trust. He immediately ordered the replacement of the Sacco leadership within a week to restore confidence among residents.
“I have directed that Nyakishenyi Police Station should not release these suspects until they have fully accounted for all the money they collected from people,” RDC Kikanshemeza said.
CUE IN RDC KIKANSHEMEZA……ON ARRESTS……RR//
The Parish Development Model, a flagship government initiative, aims to uplift households from subsistence to the money economy through access to affordable credit and support for income-generating activities.
