KAPCHORWA, July 27, 2026 – Cherubei Parish Development Model Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation [Cherubei PDM SACCO] has elected a new Board of Directors following fresh elections held after an earlier poll was cancelled due to the participation of ineligible voters from neighbouring parishes.
The repeat elections were conducted last Tuesday after the initial exercise was nullified when it emerged that beneficiaries from neighbouring parishes had taken part in the voting despite not being registered members of Cherubei PDM SACCO.
The elections were presided over by Kapchorwa District Commercial Officer Jim’s Justin Yeko, while the Deputy Resident District Commissioner [RDC], Martin Sakajja, personally supervised the exercise to ensure transparency, fairness and compliance with the Parish Development Model [PDM] guidelines.
The previous election ended in confusion after officials discovered that some beneficiaries from neighbouring parishes had participated in the voting process despite not being eligible to do so. The irregularity prompted the authorities to cancel the election and organise a fresh poll.
Addressing members before voting commenced, Sakajja emphasised that the integrity of the Parish Development Model depends on free, fair and transparent leadership elections.
He said government would not tolerate any irregularities capable of undermining the programme, adding that the Board of Directors plays a critical role in ensuring the proper management of SACCO resources intended to improve household incomes.
Sakajja urged beneficiaries to elect competent, trustworthy and committed leaders who would safeguard members’ savings, oversee loan management and promote accountability.
He warned against interference by individuals who are not registered beneficiaries of the parish, stressing that every election must strictly adhere to the established guidelines.
“The Parish Development Model is intended to transform households through financial inclusion and productive investment. This objective can only be achieved when members elect responsible leaders and allow only eligible beneficiaries to participate in the electoral process,” Sakajja said.
He further encouraged the newly elected leaders to serve all members without discrimination and to work closely with government technical officers to strengthen the SACCO.
District Commercial Officer Jim’s Justin Yeko, who presided over the elections, guided members through the electoral procedures and reminded candidates and voters of the rules governing PDM SACCO elections.
He noted that the cancellation of the previous election demonstrated the Government’s commitment to transparency and fairness rather than allowing a flawed process to proceed.
Yeko urged beneficiaries to continue supporting the PDM by embracing a savings culture, ensuring timely loan repayment and actively participating in SACCO activities.
He said strong governance structures are essential for the success and sustainability of parish SACCOs across Kapchorwa district.
The elections attracted a large turnout of beneficiaries, with most positions attracting multiple candidates, reflecting the growing interest among members in shaping the future leadership of the SACCO.
Following a peaceful voting exercise and vote tallying, the following leaders were declared winners.
In the race for chairperson, Chemonges Michael emerged victorious with 175 votes, defeating Kissa Moses, who garnered 78 votes.
For the position of vice-chairperson, Sulaiman Chemonges won with 190 votes, while his challenger, Chelangat Zainabu, received 51 votes.
In the contest for General Secretary, Lucious Chebet secured a decisive victory with 198 votes, defeating Benjamin Chemandwa, who obtained 50 votes.
The position of Treasurer was won by Fiona Chebet, who received 203 votes, while Sania Chebet polled 42 votes.
For Publicity Secretary, Francis Salimo was elected after defeating Peter Nalacho, polling 79 votes.
The announcement of the results was welcomed with applause from members, who expressed optimism that the newly elected Board of Directors would steer the SACCO towards improved governance and more effective service delivery.
The election of new Board of Directors was part of a countrywide exercise ordered by the PDM Secretariat in Kampala to promote good governance in the SACCOs that receive Shs 100 million each, from government every financial year for members to borrow and invest in enterprises like coffee, piggery among others.
Several beneficiaries said they were satisfied with the transparency of the repeat election, noting that the presence of district officials had strengthened confidence in the electoral process.
The newly elected board is expected to assume office immediately and begin overseeing the affairs of the SACCO, including mobilising savings, supervising loan disbursement and recovery, promoting financial discipline among members, and ensuring compliance with the Parish Development Model guidelines.
The successful conclusion of the elections marks a new chapter for Cherubei PDM SACCO following an earlier setback.
District leaders expressed confidence that the newly elected board would work diligently to strengthen the SACCO, promote accountability, and help beneficiaries utilise government support to improve household incomes and contribute to the socio-economic transformation envisaged under the PDM, a government initiative launched in February 22, to move poor households from the subsistence to the money economy.
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