PDM: Nyowa officials tasked to refund over Shs 200mln
NWOYA- Officials in Nwoya district have been asked to refund Shs 208 million meant for the operationalisation of the Parish Development Model [PDM].
The funds were meant to identify PDM beneficiaries, enterprise selection and formation of beneficiary groups, and registration, but officials instead advanced the money to some staff, which is against the PDM guidelines.
Following widespread concerns from the public, Gabriel AtamaRichard, the Nwoya district Chief Administrative Officer and Christopher Omara, the Resident District Commissioner launched an investigation into the public concerns.
Atama in a letter dated September 13, 2022, to all the staff of Nwoya district revealed that officials tasked with the responsibility implementation of the PDM diverted the funds for personal benefits.
Atama directed the staff who diverted the money to refund it to the district cashier by close of business on Thursday this week.
Government through the PDM wants to get 3.5 million Ugandan households out of subsistence to the money economy, with the parish being a beehive of activities.
“The purpose of this letter, therefore, is to direct you to refund all the funds that were advanced to you. All funds should be paid to the district cashier and receipt of funds to confirm payment,” Atama’s letter read in part.
An Agriculturalist who works in one of the sub-counties in the district and preferred to speak on condition of anonymity, said those claiming the money was misused are misled.
He told our reporter that as implementers, they adhere to the directives given to them by their supervisors, from the district. Through the PDM government wants to
“How can I refund the money I used to implement activities I was directed to do? We formed groups, trained members on the various enterprises they have chosen,” he said.
Omara in a previous interview with our reporter said a sub-county chief of one of the sub-counties had lost Shs 17 million sent to his account that was negative as he had used taken personal loan.
Recently, Kitgum district CAO and other district officials were arrested over mismanagement of the PDM funds.
Under the PDM, from the financial year 2022/23, each parish is expected to receive Shs 100 million revolving funds per year for five years for groups to borrow and engage in income-generating activities.
The PDM SACCOs are in charge of receiving and lending the money to groups at 5 percent per annum.
https://thecooperator.news/minister-kwiocwiny-tasks-leaders-to-monitor-pdm-activities/
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