PDM: Four arrested over alleged fraud in Kiryandongo
The suspects, currently detained at Kiryandongo Central Police Station, were arrested on Tuesday
KIRYANDONGO, April 24, 2025 – Four individuals have been arrested in Kiryandongo district over the alleged theft of Shs 1 million meant for beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government initiative aimed at eradicating poverty.
The suspects, currently detained at Kiryandongo Central Police Station, were arrested on Tuesday. They include Juliet Katusabe, the Town Agent for Northern Ward in Kiryandongo Town Council; Edward Katusiime, a PDM Enterprise Leader from Mukonogum Cell; Mary Atim, a Secretary in the Kiryandongo District Production Department; and a SACCO leader, identified only as Anguliga.
Fraud uncovered
Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects allegedly used the national identification card [ID] details of Oliva Katusiime, a resident of Runyanya Village, to fraudulently register and withdraw PDM funds without her knowledge.
The matter came to light when Katusiime reported to the Office of the Resident District Commissioner [RDC], stating that her mobile phone, SIM card, and photocopies of her ID had been used without her consent.
This prompted swift action from Assistant RDC Sam Mbabazi and Deputy RDC Jonathan Akweteireho, who launched an immediate investigation leading to the suspects’ arrests.
Officials speak out
Mbabazi urged members of the public to report any irregularities linked to the PDM programme, stressing the importance of protecting the initiative’s integrity.
“We will leave no stone unturned in dealing with theft of PDM funds. I encourage citizens to report any suspicious activity. What we want is value for money,” he stated.
Deputy RDC Akweteireho issued a stern warning
“Anyone found sabotaging government programmes will be prosecuted. If you’re involved in such misconduct, desist immediately or face the law.”
Lydia Tusabe, the Town Clerk of Kiryandongo Town Council, condemned the incident, expressing disappointment that government employees were allegedly involved.
Kiryandongo Resident District Commissioner Dan Muganga echoed these concerns, instructing that all individuals implicated in the misappropriation of public funds must be brought to justice.
Public reaction
Local resident Musa Matende, from North Ward, praised the swift action of security authorities: “We now have hope that this firm response will discourage further mismanagement of PDM funds.”
About the PDM
The Parish Development Model was launched in February 2022 to help lift 3.5 million households in Uganda out of poverty and transition them into the money economy. Under the programme, each beneficiary receives a soft loan of Shs 1 million to invest in enterprises such as coffee growing, dairy farming, fish farming, piggery, and poultry keeping.
The PDM forms a key part of Uganda’s Third National Development Plan [NDP III]. It focuses on last-mile service delivery at the parish level, with the aim of deepening decentralisation, increasing household incomes, and promoting inclusive socioeconomic transformation.
https://thecooperator.news/pdm-sacco-officials-arrested-over-alleged-extortion/
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