Minister Magyezi orders arrest of PDM extortionists

MASINDI, November 14, 2024 – The Minister of Local Government, Raphael Magyezi, has instructed security officials in Masindi, led by the Masindi Resident District Commissioner [RDC] Darius Nandinda, to arrest individuals extorting money from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model [PDM], emphasising that culprits be arraigned in court.

“I have received reports that some PDM SACCO leaders and technocrats are demanding money from the beneficiaries to include them on the list. Anyone caught extorting money should be arrested immediately and taken to court, where they will be compelled to refund the funds,” Magyezi said. He also urged victims of such extortion to report the matter to authorities to ensure swift action.

Minister Magyezi made the statement on Wednesday while assessing the progress of the PDM in Masindi Municipality. During his visit, he announced plans to send officials to conduct baraza/community meetings aimed at discussing the programme’s achievements and the challenges faced during its implementation.

Magyezi also reminded PDM implementers to adhere strictly to the programme’s guidelines, stressing the importance of prioritising vulnerable groups when allocating funds. He said the programme has gazetted  30 percent of the funds for women, 30 percent for the youth, 10 percent for the elderly, and 10 percent for persons with disabilities [PWDs].

Under the current structure, each beneficiary of the PDM receives Shs 1 million in the form of a soft loan, with an interest rate of 6 percent per annum. The funds are intended to support selected enterprises such as piggery, poultry farming, coffee production, fruit growing, trade, and beekeeping, among others.

During the assessment of the programme implementation so far, some beneficiaries shared how the programme launched in February 2022 to fight household poverty, has positively impacted their lives, with some  now being able to pay school fees for their children as a result of the financial support.

Robina Nyangoma, the PDM Focal Person for Masindi Municipality, reported that Shs 2.2 billion has been disbursed to 11 PDM SACCOs, benefiting 2,287 individuals who have each received Shs 1 million.

Magyezi commissions projects

During his visit, Minister Magyezi commissioned several development projects in Masindi Municipality. These included the Out-Patient Department at Biizi Health Centre II in Nyangahya Division, valued at Shs 292 million, and staff quarters at Katasenywa Health Centre III, worth Shs 148 million.

Masindi officials appeal for the new road equipment

While meeting the minister, the leadership of Masindi Municipality, led by Mayor Ronald Businge Kyomuhendo, raised concerns about the outdated road equipment currently in use.

Daniel Kasala, the Town Clerk of Masindi Municipality, highlighted the challenges of maintaining the municipality’s 312 kilometres of roads with aging equipment. “Our road maintenance units, including the grader and dumper, are in poor condition. We also lack essential equipment like a water bowser and a compactor. We request your support in sourcing new road equipment to improve our road network and ensure better connectivity,” Kasala said.

https://thecooperator.news/masindi-over-7000-benefit-from-pdm/

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