SHACU, PDM Secretariat collaborate to end corruption in programme implementation

KAMPALA, August 29, 2024 — Corruption in the implementation of the Parish Development Model [PDM] could soon become a thing of the past. This follows a high-level meeting held yesterday between Brig. Gen. Henery Isoke, Head of State House Anti-Corruption Unit [ SHACU ], and a team of the PDM Secretariat officials led by the programme’s National Coordinator Denis Galabuzi Ssozi.

The meeting in Kampala underscored the collaboration between SHACU and the PDM Secretariat, focusing on curbing corruption and mismanagement within the programme. Since its inception, SHACU has played a pivotal role in supporting the PDM’s objectives by responding to and investigating corruption-related complaints.

To date, SHACU, in cooperation with the PDM Secretariat, the Criminal Investigation Directorate, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions the Internal Security Organisation [ISO], and other agencies, has apprehended over 50 suspects. These individuals have been charged in court for various offences related to the mismanagement of PDM funds.

During the meeting, Brigadier General Isoke commended Galabuzi and the PDM Secretariat for their commitment in the implementation of the programme.

He emphasised that the success of the PDM is crucial to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and reiterated SHACU’s commitment to collaborating with the PDM Secretariat and other stakeholders to eliminate corruption.

On his part, Galabuzi highlighted several measures that have been implemented to ensure the efficient and transparent disbursement of PDM funds to the intended beneficiaries. Key among these measures are digital platforms designed to track the flow of funds and monitoring the performance of various enterprises under the PDM.

Additionally, Galabuzi outlined follow-up mechanisms, including routine checks on different projects, to ensure that inputs such as raw materials are of high quality and that there is value addition to boost yields and increase household incomes.

Isoke reaffirmed the determination of the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to work closely with the PDM Secretariat and other partners to address any instances of corruption that threaten the integrity and success of the PDM program.

“The continued partnership between these key government bodies demonstrates a robust commitment to accountability and transparency, ensuring that national development initiatives such as the PDM achieve their goals of enhancing socio-economic development in Uganda,” the officials said.

The meeting was also attended by Godfrey Ssemugoma, Director of Financial Management Services at the Finance Ministry, and Dr. Edward Katende from Operation Wealth Creation [OWC].

The PDM is a government initiative launched in February 2022 with the aim to move 3.5 million households from the subsistence to the money economy. The beneficiaries of the programme, through their PDM SACCOs, are given money [Shs 1 million each] to invest in the chosen enterprises like piggery, poultry keeping, dairy farming, banana, and fruits growing, among several others.

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