KWEEN, October 31, 2025 — Police in Kween district have arrested three leaders of the Kapwata Kworus Parish Development Model SACCO [PDM SACCO] on allegations of forgery, falsification of documents, and theft of Shs 13 million meant for programme beneficiaries.
Those arrested include SACCO Chairperson, Michael Kirinya, Secretary Nelson Mangusho, and Treasurer Juliet Chebet. The trio are accused of forging documents and misappropriating funds intended for SACCO members in various enterprise groups.
According to police, the offences were allegedly committed in July 2025.
The PDM is a government initiative launched in February 2022 to promote livelihoods and eradicate poverty among Uganda’s active poor. Under the programme, each beneficiary is entitled to a soft loan of Shs 1 million to invest in enterprises such as coffee, piggery, poultry, dairy, and fish farming, among others.
Allegations
Police allege that the SACCO leaders diverted the funds for personal gain. The suspects reportedly altered lists of beneficiaries, added ghost names, and redirected the money to accounts they controlled.
Investigations and subsequent arrests followed a tip-off from concerned residents, which led police to uncover discrepancies in the disbursement of programme funds.
Fred Mark Chesang, the Police Spokesperson for the Sipi Region, confirmed the arrests, assuring the public that the police were handling the matter with utmost seriousness.
“We received credible information from concerned members of the Kapwata Kworus community, which prompted us to investigate,” Chesang said. “Upon reviewing the documents and financial records, it became clear that the leaders were involved in fraudulent activities that undermined the Parish Development Model. These actions will not be tolerated, and we are determined to ensure justice is served.”
Chesang added that the stolen funds were intended to improve livelihoods, not to enrich individuals.
“The PDM SACCO is supposed to help the people, not exploit them. The money that was taken was meant to uplift members’ lives, and we are committed to holding the accused accountable for their actions,” he said.
Police have since taken the suspects into custody and are continuing to gather evidence to support the charges. The three are expected to face charges of forgery, theft, and abuse of office in the coming days.
Community reaction
News of the arrests has shocked members of the Kapwata Kworus PDM SACCO.
“I feel deeply disappointed,” said Emilly Chebet, a SACCO member. “This money was supposed to help us start small businesses under the PDM programme, but it has been stolen by our leaders. It’s heartbreaking.”
Other community members expressed anger and frustration, demanding justice.
“These people should face the full force of the law,” said Leonard Banan Chemonges, another member. “We trusted them with our money, and they have betrayed us. This money could have transformed many lives in our village.”
Concerns over programme credibility
The incident has raised concerns about the management of funds within the PDM SACCO and the broader PDM programme. Many residents fear that the scandal could damage the initiative’s credibility and hinder efforts to reduce poverty in the area.
“There’s no doubt that leaders like those arrested will discourage community members from embracing the PDM,” said a local leader who requested anonymity. “The government needs to ensure proper accountability. We cannot allow thieves to run a programme designed to help the poor.”
Some residents have called for greater oversight and transparency within PDM SACCOs, including regular audits and stricter monitoring systems to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Legal consequences
The charges against the SACCO leaders are serious. Forgery, theft, and abuse of office carry severe penalties under Ugandan law. If convicted, the suspects could face lengthy prison sentences or substantial fines.
“We are working closely with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions [DPP] to ensure the suspects face justice,” Chesang added. “Such acts of corruption must be punished to deter others from engaging in similar criminal activities.”
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