Security authorities in Kabale District have exonerated Blessing Mugabi Agaba, the Parish Chief of Bushuro in Kitumba Sub-county, from allegations of extortion raised by beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM).
The accusations emerged last week when a section of residents, including Praise Kyomugisha, Amos Tumukunde, and another individual identified only as Innocent, were quoted in the media claiming that Mugabi demanded between UGX 100,000 and 200,000 before facilitating access to PDM funds.
The allegations were published in a news article by journalist Vanansio Mbabazi Kakogoso, sparking outrage from Mugabi and several residents who dismissed the claims as defamatory.
However, following a community meeting convened in Bushuro Parish by the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) to establish the facts surrounding these claims on Thursday, the allegations were found to be untrue. The meeting was chaired by the Kabale Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Micheal Muramira Kyakashari, and attended by Assistant Resident District Commissioners Christmas Turyomurugyendo and Nelson Black Atwongyeire.
Despite having a voice recording, Amos Tumukunde, the Bushuro Cell Secretary for Defence, claimed that the journalist coached him on what to say and that he was under the influence of alcohol when he made the statements.
Another resident, Praise Kyomugisha, stated that she had heard her name being read on the radio as a complainant in the PDM scandal involving the Parish Chief. However, she denied having spoken to any journalist.
Kakogoso later apologized to the victim, explaining that he had been misled by residents who subsequently denied having complained against her.
Mugabi, the Bushuro Parish Chief, expressed relief after her name was cleared.
Meanwhile, DRDC Micheal Muramira Kyakashari said that following the controversial media reports, his office conducted an investigation and found that Bushuro Parish had not registered any issues regarding the performance of government authorities responsible for implementing the PDM program.
As SOURCE REPORTS, we sincerely apologise to Mugabi and our readers for the publication of the inaccurate information. We regret any harm or inconvenience caused and reaffirm our commitment to providing accurate, fair, and credible news at all times.
