PDM SACCO leaders arrested in Lira City over alleged fraud targeting women beneficiaries

LIRA CITY, June 27, 2026 — Several leaders of a Parish Development Model [PDM] SACCO in Lira City have been arrested over allegations of fraud and extortion involving PDM funds, with authorities saying women beneficiaries were among those most affected.

The suspects include Richard Oludi, Chairperson of Blue Corner PDM SACCO; Ruth Nankabirwa, the SACCO Treasurer; and Linda Tino Auma, who allegedly collected money from beneficiaries on behalf of the SACCO leadership.

According to Lawrence Egole, the Lira City Resident City Commissioner, his office has received multiple complaints from PDM beneficiaries across different wards alleging extortion and irregularities in SACCO operations.

“The complaint was reported earlier, and we have since been carrying out investigations into the management of PDM SACCOs. We received complaints from several wards, but our operation focused on Blue Corner Ward, where we discovered serious irregularities and handed the suspects over to police,” Egole said.

Egole said preliminary findings suggest some SACCO leaders exploited beneficiaries with limited literacy and knowledge of the programme.

“They appear to target vulnerable beneficiaries, especially women who may not fully understand the process. In this case, Gloria Apio was supposed to receive Shs1 million, but there was alleged collusion involving SACCO leaders and another individual who collected the money on her behalf,” he said.

One incident that triggered the complaint involved Apio Gloria, who reportedly received only Shs300,000 instead of the full Shs1 million she was entitled to.

“They withdraw beneficiaries’ money, take a portion for themselves and leave the beneficiaries with the balance. Gloria Apio received only Shs 300,000 out of Shs1 million. We believe similar cases may have affected other people,” Egole added.

He also revealed that some beneficiaries had received notifications that funds would be disbursed within days but had still not received any payments.

“We have reports of people receiving messages in April saying the funds would be deposited within 48 hours, but up to now the money has not arrived. Some of these complaints involve Blue Corner Ward and other SACCOs in the city,” he said.

Egole warned that those found responsible would face legal action.

“This money was intended to support households and improve livelihoods. Anyone found stealing from beneficiaries will face the law regardless of their position,” he said.

North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema said investigations indicate that some SACCO leaders may have used National Identity Cards belonging to other people to access PDM funds.

Okema confirmed that Linda Tino Auma allegedly used the National ID belonging to Gloria Apio to obtain Shs1 million under the programme.

“Preliminary findings show that some PDM executives registered beneficiaries and authorised the use of other people’s National IDs to fraudulently access funds,” Okema said.

He added that investigators had secured court orders to obtain bank records.

“We have obtained court orders to access statements from Pride Microfinance Bank and DFCU Bank to support the investigations. Once inquiries are completed, the case file will be submitted to the Resident Chief State Attorney for legal guidance,” Okema said.

Okema urged SACCO leaders to avoid exploiting beneficiaries and called on members of the public to report corruption instead of participating in it.

“The Uganda Police Force warns all leaders involved in government empowerment programmes against corruption and exploitation. Beneficiaries should not pay money to programme officials and should report any such demands to authorities,” he said.

Police said more than five complainants have so far recorded statements, including Gloria Apio, Opio Lakana, Akullu Molly, Kia Celinda, Apio Peace, Acen Harriet and Awor Lilly.

The suspects are currently detained at Lira City West Division police headquarters, where a case of alleged embezzlement of PDM funds has been registered.

Meanwhile, Lira City PDM Focal Person Dr Nelson Okello declined to comment on the matter, citing ongoing investigations.

“I cannot comment because the matter is before the police, who are investigating the root cause of the problem,” Okello said.

https://thecooperator.news/pdm-saccos-in-lira-acquire-office-space-to-ease-operations/

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