Summary:
- Hon. Joveline Kalisa, the Deputy National Coordinator for PDM Uganda, stated that the arrests stemmed from community reports indicating that many parish chiefs had favored their relatives, thereby sidelining other deserving individuals from the program.
KATAKWI: In a decisive action to uphold the integrity of the Parish Development Model (PDM) across various communities in Uganda, the PDM Secretariat arrested members of the Katakwi Town Council technical team on the afternoon of October 3, 2024.
The arrests were made in response to allegations of cash extortion amounting to 40 million shillings from local residents seeking access to PDM funds.
This crackdown followed numerous complaints from Katakwi Town residents regarding the accessibility of PDM financial support. Hon. Joveline Kalisa, the Deputy National Coordinator for PDM Uganda, stated that the arrests stemmed from community reports indicating that many parish chiefs had favored their relatives, thereby sidelining other deserving individuals from the program.
Hon. Kalisa urged the public to report instances of misconduct by civil servants to the appropriate authorities to ensure accountability and enforcement of the law.
Dr. Sunday Nickson, a national economist with the PDM Secretariat, emphasized that this action was prompted by concerns raised by the State Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Peter Ogwang.
The minister reported that some technical staff at the parish level were colluding with PDM SACCO chairpersons to misappropriate funds intended for rightful beneficiaries.
In line with the recently implemented eighth pillar of PDM, which mandates accountability measures, the PDM team instructed all security personnel in Katakwi to attend a community meeting to facilitate the arrest of the implicated parish chief and his associates.
Among those arrested were Southern Ward Parish Chief Anthony Inangolet, treasurer Akeemo Doreen Susan, and secretary Ikabat Emmanuel.
Reports indicate that 4 million shillings was misappropriated and distributed among four family members: Proscovia Akello, James Patrick Akello, Anna Christine Akol, and Marita Akello. These individuals did not attend the subsequent meeting for unspecified reasons.
One victim, Christine Akiteng, recounted her experience, stating, “The chairperson of the PDM, Adyebo Susan, took my National Identity card and SIM card, enabling her close associates to benefit instead of me.”
In response to the incident, Hon. Geoffrey Omolo, the LCV Chairman of Katakwi District, condemned the actions of the arrested officials and urged the community to remain vigilant regarding government development programs.
About the Parish Development Model (PDM)
Launched by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on February 26, 2022, in Kibuku District, the PDM initiative aims to increase household incomes and enhance the quality of life for Ugandans.
The program focuses on transforming households from subsistence to money economies within five years.
Eligibility Criteria for PDM in Uganda
To qualify for the PDM, existing groups must meet the following criteria: they should have a commercial orientation, engaging in active income-generating activities within the recommended value chain.
The PDM framework consists of seven additional pillars, including production, storage, processing and marketing, infrastructure and economic services, financial inclusion, and social services.
