By Our Reporter.
KISORO – Residents in Nyundo Sub County have raised serious allegations against their parish chiefs, accusing them of corruption, negligence of duty, and incompetence in implementing the parish development model (PDM) project.
On Wednesday 05th July 2023, during her visit to Bukimbiri County to supervise the project’s progress, the PDM National Deputy Coordinator, Kyomukama Jovurine Kaliisa, was confronted by angry residents who voiced their concerns.
This visit follows recent criticism from the local Member of Parliament, who expressed dissatisfaction with the project’s guidelines, claiming they did not adequately address the needs of the most vulnerable citizens.
Kaliisa had planned to meet with PDM SACCO leaders and beneficiaries at Nyundo sub-county headquarters.
However, her efforts were in vain as the residents were not mobilized effectively. Out of the over 7,000 expected attendees, only eight individuals showed up.
Frustrated by the lack of commitment, Kaliisa threatened to suspend the project in the area, suspecting a lack of seriousness.
However, the few attendees present blamed the sub-county leadership for their failure to mobilize the community. As a result, the PDM coordinator decided to relocate the meeting to Kabahunde trading center.
At Kabahunde trading center, residents expressed their grievances to the national PDM deputy coordinator, calling for the arrest of the parish chiefs, particularly those from Nyundo and Bubuye parishes.
The residents accused the parish chiefs of laziness, biased selection of beneficiaries, embezzlement of project funds, and inadequate information dissemination about the PDM.
In response, Hon. Jovurine Karisa warned that any PDM supervisor found neglecting their duties would be arrested and detained, as this would undermine a presidential pledge.
While pardoning the parish chiefs in Nyundo, she set a deadline for them to register beneficiaries and disburse funds no later than Thursday next week.
Furthermore, Karisa emphasized that community members would have the freedom to choose their own beneficiaries, disregarding the computer system.
She also clarified that individuals could apply for a maximum loan amount of one million shillings, based on their business plans (Ekibaro), rather than relying on advice from loan committees.
In Rubuguri and Nyanamo town councils, beneficiaries were found to be well-prepared to receive the funds. Hon. Jovurine commended the leadership of these town councils and instructed extension workers to train beneficiaries on creating business plans during the upcoming week, with funds set to be disbursed starting from Monday next week.
The beneficiaries expressed their appreciation to Hon. Jovurine for her visit, as she addressed their concerns and provided them with answers.
