Nebbi PDM beneficiaries accuse parish chiefs of extortion
NEBBI – The Parish Development Model [PDM], beneficiaries in Nebbi district have accused parish chiefs of illegally charging them unexplained fees in order to get services.
One of the beneficiaries, Manuela Adokorach said they were forcefully made to pay membership fees for PDM SACCOs, which she said contravenes PDM guidelines.
“Being desperate for PDM money, we were forced to pay money in order to benefit from the programme, and yet the government has made it clear that no one should pay for any money under the programme,” Adokorach said.
Meanwhile, Nebbi resident district commissioner, Robert Abak has cautioned the parish chiefs against indulging in corruption while implementing the PDM activities.
He said he had received some cases implicating parish chiefs extorting money from PDM beneficiaries in the guise of meeting operational costs.
“There is unconfirmed information circulating that some parish chiefs were charging PDM beneficiaries operational costs, the investigations are ongoing to dig out the facts,” Abak said.
The PDM deputy national coordinator, Jovrine Kalisa said the PDM beneficiaries are not subjected to any cost and that if there is anything to be paid for, it is the photocopying of documents.
She urged the parish chiefs to refund the money received from the PDM beneficiaries, saying government pays for administration costs.
She cited some cases in Koch in Nebbi Sub-county and Parwo parish in Parombo Sub-county where parish chiefs forced each of the PDM beneficiaries to pay Shs 25,000.
“There are some people who have taken money from PDM beneficiaries claiming it is for shares in the PDM SACCOs and registration. Take it back to the beneficiaries before we come for you,” Kalisa said.
About Shs 2 billion is expected to be received by 2,000 PDM beneficiaries in their centenary bank accounts.
According to the government, under the PDM, each parish in Uganda is to receive Shs 100 million every financial year as revolving fund to eradicate poverty and move into the money economy.
The PDM focal point officer Nebbi district, Walter Abineno said the delayed operationalisation of funds has made the beneficiaries relax in terms of implementing their projects.
https://thecooperator.news/bunyangabu-museveni-cautions-govt-officials-over-mishandling-pdm-funds/
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