25 officials interdicted in Abim over alleged misuse of PDM funds
ABIM, April 2, 2026 — Authorities in Abim district have interdicted 25 public servants over the alleged mismanagement of Parish Development Model [ PDM ] funds, with formal investigations underway to establish the full extent of the irregularities.
The action, taken by Chief Administrative Officer Mose Opio, affects 21 parish chiefs, alongside a teacher [Callisto Ojwok], a health worker [Peter Akoyan], a Senior Assistant Secretary [Alfred Opio], and an Assistant Town Clerk [Vicky Owor].
According to Opio, the interdictions are intended to pave the way for thorough investigations without interference, following a report of alleged misconduct in the implementation of the government programme submitted by the District Commercial Officer.
“It is true I took action against public servants who were allegedly involved in the misappropriation of PDM funds,” he said.
The interdicted parish chiefs include Dorcus Akongo, Fredrick Franco Eketh, Julius Odon Dickson, Simon Peter Odyek, Joyce Agola, Filbert Okech, Travecy Omara, Alfred Okot, Edmund Obia, and Simon Peter Oywek.
Others are Ronnie Okello Pajam, Juliet Akello Okiror, Ben Okwii Ben, Trinity Ochero, Tonny Ochen, Ben Othii, Simon Peter Okidi, Charles Oyugi Oputa, Francis Opio Habakuk, and Joseph Orebo Joseph.
Opio emphasised that the PDM is specifically designed to benefit vulnerable households and bars public servants from accessing the funds.
“PDM funds are meant for the poor, and the guidelines do not allow any public servant to benefit from them,” he said.
Preliminary findings indicate that several officials allegedly abused their positions by inserting themselves on beneficiary lists and manipulating the system for personal gain.
“I received a report implicating the public servants. Instead of overseeing the programme, they turned themselves into beneficiaries,” he added.
The CAO further revealed that some of the interdicted officers irregularly accessed loans from PDM Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [ PDM SACCOs] despite not being registered members, raising concerns about internal controls within the system.
“These people I have interdicted accessed loans yet they are not members of the groups. How they accessed the loans is what I am yet to establish,” he noted.
Opio said the affected officials had been asked to step aside to allow for a transparent and independent probe.
“I asked them to step aside as investigations continue, after which a final decision will be made,” he said.
Authorities also disclosed that some officers found to have played a lesser role in the suspected irregularities were issued warning letters instead of being interdicted.
Meanwhile, enforcement efforts are gathering pace, with six PDM SACCO leaders already committed to court over related allegations. District officials confirmed that several other SACCO leaders linked to the scandal are on the run, particularly from Alerek, Abim and Morulem, areas described as the epicentre of the misuse.
According to the CAO, those implicated face accusations including adding themselves to beneficiary lists, altering records, and extorting money from SACCO members.
Security agencies have launched a manhunt for the suspects, with authorities warning that those apprehended and found guilty will be prosecuted.
The alleged offences are reported to have been committed during the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 financial years. Interdiction letters were issued to the affected officers beginning March 19, 2026.
The PDM, introduced in 2022, is a flagship government initiative aimed at transitioning households from subsistence to the money economy through parish-based SACCOs.
Jenny Acheng
https://thecooperator.news/abim-leaders-call-for-support-of-local-cooperatives/
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