HOIMA, June 29, 2026 — Some of the intended beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model [PDM] in the Bunyoro Sub-region are reportedly missing out on programme funds due to extortion by some implementers, a regional evaluation meeting has heard.
The extortion of the beneficiaries of the programme was captured as a major concern during the Anti-Corruption Caravan 2026 organised in the region recently. The caravan aimed to sensitise citizens on their role in promoting accountability and demanding improved service delivery.
The evaluation meeting was organised by ActionAid Uganda in partnership with the Mid-Western Region Anti-Corruption Coalition [MIRAC] and the Inspectorate of Government to discuss and identify solutions to issues raised during the caravan.
Robert Kule, Partnership and Business Coordinator at ActionAid Uganda, said residents from different parts of Bunyoro, including Kagadi, Masindi, Hoima and Kikuube districts, reported that extortion by leaders of PDM SACCOs was undermining implementation of the programme.
He said findings from the caravan showed that PDM guidelines were not being followed by some implementers. Residents also alleged that some officials create fictitious groups, resulting in funds being diverted to unintended beneficiaries.
Kule further revealed that some beneficiaries reported receiving less than the stipulated Shs 1 million allocation.
“During our interaction with communities, they reported corruption in the implementation of PDM. Some beneficiaries said they do not receive the full amount due to them. For example, if someone is supposed to receive Shs 1 million, up to Shs 200,000 is allegedly taken by officials.
“In Kagadi, residents said the money was benefiting wealthier individuals instead of the intended recipients. This calls for government to review the programmes being implemented and assess whether they are reaching the target beneficiaries. Where gaps exist, improvements should be made instead of assuming that everyone is benefiting,” Kule said.
Speaking at the same meeting, Detective Superintendent of Police Geddes Twinamatsiko, the Deputy Albertine Regional CID Officer, disclosed that several cases involving fraud related to PDM funds had been registered.
He said about 90 percent of suspects had been arrested, arraigned and charged in courts of law.
Twinamatsiko noted that common cases involve parish chiefs and local leaders allegedly colluding to steal money from elderly and illiterate beneficiaries.
“At parish level, some officials reportedly persuade elderly and illiterate individuals to register SIM cards in their names. When the funds are transferred, the beneficiaries are not informed. Instead, the money is withdrawn and taken by the officials,” he explained.
He called on district chief administrative officers to strengthen verification mechanisms for beneficiary groups before funds are disbursed.
Badru Mugabi, the Hoima City Resident Commissioner, urged the Inspectorate of Government to widen accountability efforts beyond public officials and also hold those who offer bribes accountable in the fight against corruption.
Other forms of corruption reported during the caravan included alleged job selling during district recruitment processes, delayed implementation of projects by contractors, and extortion of patients at health facilities.
The Parish Development Model is a government initiative launched in February 2022 to transition 3.5 million households from subsistence farming into the money economy. Beneficiaries receive Shs 1 million each as a soft loan to invest in selected enterprises such as piggery, poultry farming, fruit growing, coffee production and dairy farming.
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