UGX 1.57 Million PDM Funds Recovered in Rukungiri

Rukungiri: Authorities in Rukungiri District have recovered UGX 1,570,000 that had been embezzled from Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries in Kafunjo Parish, Nyakishenyi Sub County.

The money was reportedly misappropriated by members of the Kafunjo Parish PDM committee, led by the Parish Chief, Elias Agaba, and the Parish SACCO Chairperson, Prikazio Tumukunde.

The recovery was made on November 13, during a community meeting held at Kafunjo Health Centre II, presided over by Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Bron Kikanshemeza.

RDC Kikanshemeza warned parish chiefs and SACCO leaders across Rukungiri District to desist from corruption and extortion, saying the government will not tolerate any misuse of funds meant to benefit ordinary Ugandans.

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Residents accused the two committee members of illegally charging between UGX 10,000 and UGX 280,000 from beneficiaries as a condition to access PDM funds.

Beneficiaries, including Cosma Ngabirano and Moreen Akampurira, told our reporter that they had been demanding the refund of their money, only for the suspects to claim it was meant to cover transport, meals, and facilitation during PDM activities.

They commended RDC Kikanshemeza and Nyakishenyi DISO, Sam Masiko Nuwagaba, for their efforts in recovering the funds and standing up against corruption.

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Meanwhile, DISO Masiko urged residents to use the PDM money wisely to improve their household incomes and support the government’s fight against poverty.