TORORO, September 11, 2026 — The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth, has warned sub-county and parish leaders in West Budama Central County, Tororo district, against mismanaging funds under the Parish Development Model [PDM].
Speaking at the PDM progress review meeting organised recently at his residence in Muwafu Ward, Nabuyoga Town Council, Oboth warned that corruption, particularly the demanding of kickbacks from vulnerable beneficiaries, would attract a swift and uncompromising crackdown.
“I was elected Speaker to fight corruption, and I will lead by example,” Oboth told an assembly of local leaders, administrators and security officials. “Public resources must reach their intended recipients without being diverted along the way.”
The meeting brought together sub-county and parish chiefs, LC II and LC III chairpersons, Gombolola Internal Security Officers [GISOs], local councillors and SACCO leaders.
Also in attendance were senior district officials, including Resident District Commissioner [RDC] Salim Bategana and District Police Commander [DPC] Martin Karrekyezi.
Bategana urged local administrators to champion the PDM as a key intervention for helping households escape poverty sustainably.
The meeting also highlighted the experiences of beneficiaries who have used PDM funds to improve their livelihoods, including Beatrice Nyafwono.
After receiving a Shs 1 million PDM loan, Nyafwono invested half of the money in three piglets and feed, while using the remainder to establish a cassava garden.
Profits from the two ventures enabled her to buy a cow, which has since increased to two, and establish a retail shop that provides her with a regular daily income.
On security concerns and localised crime, Karrekyezi pledged the police’s support in protecting PDM beneficiaries, particularly from the theft of livestock purchased through the programme.
He urged local leaders not to conceal or shield suspected criminals, but instead to allow the law to take its course.
Oboth echoed the call, urging officials to avoid interfering with the administration of justice. He also commended district security officers for monitoring government programmes and providing reports that strengthen accountability.
The Speaker warned that officials who connive with beneficiaries or other actors to divert PDM resources would be held accountable.
He urged local leaders to be content with their official salaries rather than demanding kickbacks or engaging in excessive spending in an attempt to win public praise.
“You are not working for the President or any leader, but for yourself,” Oboth said, calling for cooperation and mutual respect among officials at all levels of administration.
Despite implementation challenges, progress reports compiled by sub-county and parish chiefs indicate that the PDM has provided substantial financial support to households in West Budama Central County.
The county comprises six sub-counties — Nabuyoga, Mulanda, Mwello, Pajwenda, Siwa and Nabuyoga Town Council — and 22 parishes.
Between 2022 and 2025, a total of Shs 8.590 billion was disbursed to 7,873 families, while an additional Shs 1.072bln remains pending for eligible households.
https://thecooperator.news/tororo-officials-urged-to-ensure-pdm-beneficiaries-repay-loans-as-agreed/
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