AMURIA, June 30, 2025 –– The Chairpersons of the Parish Development Model Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisations [PDM SACCOs] in Amuria district have come under fire following allegations of extorting money from intended beneficiaries of the government programme.
The accusations are detailed in a report by the Church of Uganda Teso Diocese Planning and Development Office [COU-TEDDO], which was presented during a dialogue and validation meeting held in Amuria on June 26, 2025.
Francis Okodel, the District Commercial Officer for Amuria, expressed dismay over the revelations, noting that the district has received over Shs 30 billion since the inception of the programme.
“I also blame both the PDM SACCO Chairpersons and the beneficiaries for engaging in such practices,” Okodel said.
Levi Odongo, Chairperson of the Amuria District Community-Based Monitors, reported that some SACCO chairpersons have been secretly soliciting between Shs 30,000 and Shs 40,000 from beneficiaries under the pretext of covering costs for PDM forms and photocopying.
“This practice is discouraging members of the public from accessing the funds,” Odongo added.
Moses Okoed, the Programme Officer for Governance and Social Accountability at COU-TEDDO, noted that such practices are undermining service delivery not only in Amuria but also in other districts where similar issues have been observed.
The report, which covers the period from April to June 2025, assessed multiple sectors including health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Paul Esogu, Deputy Speaker of Amuria District Council, commended COU-TEDDO for highlighting the persistent gaps affecting service delivery and accountability.
He urged the government to introduce stricter qualification requirements for members of the Parish Development Committees [PDCs], arguing that some current members are “poor and money-hungry.”
Moses Emabu, LCV Chairperson of Amuria district acknowledged that the practice of extorting money continues, often carried out discreetly. He encouraged local communities to speak up and report individuals involved in such activities.
“We shall continue sensitising communities, raising awareness, and carrying out close monitoring and supervision to minimise this vice,” Emabu said.
Meanwhile, Moses Ibwala, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner [RDC] for Amuria, issued a stern warning to SACCO chairpersons against engaging in corruption. He vowed to take legal action against any who are caught soliciting money from beneficiaries.
He encouraged the public to report such incidents to the RDC’s office, the District Commercial Officer, or the police.
COU-TEDDO, with support from the Uganda National NGO Forum, is implementing a project titled Strengthening Citizen Engagement and Public Accountability. The initiative aims to empower citizens to actively hold public institutions accountable for improved service delivery.
As part of this effort, COU-TEDDO organised the district validation meeting to provide a platform for citizens to voice their concerns and call for action from relevant stakeholders.
Through its community-based monitoring initiatives, the organisation has been instrumental in identifying and exposing service delivery gaps, offering valuable insights to inform policy decisions and improve livelihoods.
As Amuria district continues to grapple with issues of corruption and inefficiency, the work of COU-TEDDO remains critical in ensuring public resources are utilised effectively for the benefit of all citizens.
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