APAC-President Yoweri Museveni has urged political leaders in the country not to fear public servants mismanaging the implementation of the Parish Development Model [PDM].
Museveni said public servants who are always engaged in corrupt tendencies by swindling public funds have a motive to fail the government in the struggle to eradicate household poverty.
Museveni`s advice to the politicians followed a remark by Apac district Woman MP Betty Engola that corruption has already manifested in the implementation of the PDM.
Last month, Monica Atim, the Apac district statistician was arrested for allegedly mismanaging Shs 21.8 million meant for PDM. The money had been earmarked to pay PDM data collectors.
It was alleged that Atim failed to pay 153 data collectors Shs 15,000 transport refund per day for 10 days and Shs 10,000 as a one-off payment for internet data.
MP Engola said PDM is a good strategy and it has come at the right time to tackle household poverty and generate income.
“I am appealing to all leaders including technical staff to desist from corruption and help the government in implementing this good programme,” Engola said.
Recently 14 technical and support staff of Kitgum district local government were arrested by the police on allegations of swindling Shs 745mln disbursed to the district for PDM activities.
The money was part of Shs 1.2 billion the district is expected to get this fiscal year, according to the police.
Museveni said it is easy to fight corruption, stating that he started doing it in 1966 when he was still a student.
“It is only the public servants who are causing problems. Even during colonial time, you would find a veterinary doctor or health worker selling drugs meant for patients,” Museveni said.
“The only option to deal with this problem as a leader, you need to associate yourself closely with the communities and they will tell you the truth,” Museveni added.
https://thecooperator.news/pdm-nyowa-officials-tasked-to-refund-over-shs-200mln/
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