Ms. Ritah Namuwenge the National Coordinator of Emyooga and Parish Development Model (PDM) Consultant, , has ordered an immediate investigation into allegations that parish chiefs in Bududa District have been extorting money from members of various PDM Saccos.
Reports indicate that some parish chiefs have been soliciting kickbacks ranging from Shs30,000 to Shs100,000 from each member. Ms. Namuwenge addressed the issue during a district stakeholders’ meeting held on Monday at the district headquarters, which included PDM beneficiaries and was convened by officials from the PDM and Emyooga programs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Planning.
“The parish chiefs and Parish Development Committees (PDCs) are not adhering to the PDM guidelines. Why extort money from these vulnerable people? I have instructed the RDC to obtain statements from the beneficiaries who were extorted,” Ms. Namuwenge stated.
She emphasized that she will be visiting sub-counties to follow up and ensure that the program is reaching and benefiting its intended recipients. Additionally, she directed PDM Sacco leaders to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and expedite the distribution of funds to beneficiaries.
Concerns raised during the meeting revealed that some parish chiefs have been demanding up to Shs100,000 as kickbacks. The residents supported Ms. Namuwenge’s call for the arrest of corrupt parish chiefs and PDC members.
Mr. Peter Womaniala, a PDM beneficiary, alleged that parish chiefs and Sacco leaders have become a significant obstacle. “If you complain, they start intimidating us and refuse to disburse the money. They demand between Shs10,000 to Shs100,000 before returning our phones, which they collect as a form of coercion,” Mr. Womaniala said.
Bududa District Resident Commissioner (RDC) Mr. Elijah Madoi issued a stern warning to the parish chiefs to cease extorting money from beneficiaries. “As the chief monitor of government programs in the district, I urge you to report such cases of extortion to my office. Anyone caught extorting money from PDM beneficiaries will be arrested and prosecuted. Don’t think you can simply refund the money and avoid punishment,” he said.
Rahim Kisuyi, an economist from the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MOFPED), advised beneficiaries to invest the funds in productive ventures.
“A wise man invests his money where it multiplies. Money flows from the fool to the wise. If you invest this money wisely, it will yield profits. We are committed to helping you become prosperous,” Kisuyi remarked.
