KAPCHORWA, May 12, 2026 — Two leaders of a Parish Development Model [PDM] SACCO in West Division, Kapchorwa Municipality, Kapchorwa district, have been arrested over the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for PDM beneficiaries.
The suspects, identified as Moses Siwa, the Chairperson, and Sam Sorrowen, the Secretary, were arrested on Friday following investigations conducted by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit and the Criminal Investigations Directorate [CID], in collaboration with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions [DPP].
Authorities allege that between September and October 2025, Moses and Sorrowen unlawfully withdrew PDM funds amounting to Shs 1.4 million that had been intended for beneficiaries under the programme.
The PDM, launched by the government in 2022, is a flagship programme aimed at transforming rural communities at parish level from subsistence livelihoods to participation in the money economy.
Under the programme government disburses Shs 100 million to each parish in Uganda, which also allocates a soft loan of Shs 1mln to each beneficiary of the programme for investment in enterprises like coffee, piggery, fish, and dairy farming among others . The initiative also emphasises community participation, transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
During the arrest and subsequent arraignment of the two officials before the Kapchorwa Magistrate’s Court, the two suspects were formally charged with theft and misappropriation of public funds.
“PDM is meant to empower communities and promote sustainable livelihoods. Any diversion of these resources undermines public trust and the purpose of the programme,” an official from the Anti-Corruption Unit said on condition of anonymity.
Court documents indicate that the alleged withdrawal of funds was carried out under the guise of payments to PDM beneficiaries.
Investigators further reported that financial records and documentation allegedly used to justify the transactions are being scrutinised. The full extent of the alleged fraud remains under review, with authorities warning that additional individuals could be implicated as investigations continue.
The suspects were remanded in custody and are expected to reappear before the Kapchorwa Magistrate’s Court on May 14, 2026, for further proceedings.
Legal experts anticipate that the case will involve forensic accounting, witness testimony and a detailed examination of parish-level financial records.
“Given the scale of the funds involved, this case represents one of the most significant PDM-related fraud investigations in recent years,” said a legal analyst familiar with anti-corruption litigation in Uganda.
The PDM initiative is designed to transition communities from subsistence to commercial farming through structured support in sectors such as agriculture, education and healthcare. Oversight mechanisms, including audits and beneficiary verification, are embedded within the programme to prevent misuse of funds. However, cases such as this have raised concerns over governance and internal controls.
Local residents expressed shock and disappointment over the alleged embezzlement.
“We had hoped these funds would finally bring improvements to our lives. It is heartbreaking to hear that leaders entrusted with our resources may have betrayed us,” said a community leader in West Division, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Civil society organisations have called for the swift and transparent handling of the case in order to restore public confidence in the programme.
The arrests highlight the growing role of the Anti-Corruption Unit and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions in enforcing accountability in government-funded programmes.
Uganda has witnessed several high-profile corruption cases in recent years, and the government has repeatedly pledged zero tolerance towards embezzlement, particularly involving funds intended to improve rural livelihoods.
Experts say successful prosecution in cases such as this could serve as a deterrent against future abuse of public resources.
“Corruption at the local level is especially damaging because it directly affects ordinary citizens. It is crucial that all parties are held accountable and that justice is both done and seen to be done,” one analyst noted.
As investigations continue, authorities have urged parish leaders across the country to maintain transparent records and ensure that all funds are used strictly for their intended purposes.
The DPP has emphasised that the prosecution will follow due process and that all evidence will be carefully evaluated before charges are finalised in court.
https://thecooperator.news/new-reforms-rolled-out-to-strengthen-pdm-sacco-governance/
Buy your copy of thecooperator magazine from one of our country-wide vending points or an e-copy on emag.thecooperator.news
-
-
-
-
