By John Kusolo
Bududa, Uganda: The Parish Development Model (PDM) initiative, a flagship program aimed at eradicating poverty and uplifting livelihoods at the grassroots level in Uganda, has encountered a significant setback in Bududa District. Parish chiefs in the district have come under intense scrutiny for allegedly extorting money from members of various PDM Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (SACCOs).
This revelation came to light during a stakeholders' meeting held at the Bududa District headquarters, chaired by Ms. Ritah Namuwenge, the National Coordinator of the Emyooga program and the PDM Consultant. The meeting, which took place on Monday, saw the participation of district officials, PDM beneficiaries, and representatives from the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MOFPED). The officials are currently conducting an assessment of the implementation and progress of the PDM and Emyooga programs in the Bugisu Sub-region.
Allegations of Extortion by Parish Chiefs
During the meeting, it was disclosed that several parish chiefs in Bududa District have been soliciting bribes ranging from UGX 30,000 to UGX 100,000 from PDM SACCO members. The funds were allegedly demanded as kickbacks in exchange for processing their applications or releasing funds intended for developmental projects. This extortion has not only impeded the progress of the PDM but has also fostered an environment of fear and intimidation among beneficiaries.
Ms. Namuwenge expressed her dismay at the blatant disregard for PDM guidelines by the implicated parish chiefs and Parish Development Committees (PDCs). She emphasized that the PDM was designed to support vulnerable communities, and any form of exploitation undermines the program's objectives.
“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,” Namuwenge stated.
Immediate Action and Follow-Up
In response to these alarming reports, Ms. Namuwenge ordered an immediate investigation into the activities of the accused parish chiefs. She instructed the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Elijah Madoi, to gather statements from the affected beneficiaries and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Ms. Namuwenge also announced her plans to conduct follow-up visits to the sub-counties to assess the situation on the ground and ensure that the PDM program is reaching and benefiting the intended recipients. She further directed PDM SACCO leaders to eliminate bureaucratic delays and expedite the disbursement of funds to the beneficiaries.
Community Response and Further Warnings
The residents of Bududa have expressed their frustration with the corrupt practices of the parish chiefs and PDCs. Mr. Peter Womaniala, a PDM beneficiary, recounted his experience of intimidation and extortion by the parish chiefs, revealing how they demanded bribes ranging from UGX 10,000 to UGX 100,000. He also highlighted that parish chiefs would often confiscate beneficiaries' phones and refuse to return them until they had paid the demanded bribes.
“If you complain they start intimidating us not to give us money. They start asking us for money between UGX 10,000, UGX 20,000, up to UGX 100,000 until you give up with the program. They even collect phones belonging to the beneficiaries and start demanding for the kickbacks before getting your phone back," Womaniala said.
In light of these reports, Mr. Elijah Madoi, the RDC of Bududa District, issued a stern warning to the parish chiefs, emphasizing that any official caught extorting money from PDM beneficiaries would be arrested and prosecuted. He urged the community to report any cases of extortion to his office without fear of retaliation.
“As the chief monitor of government programs in the district, I urge you to report such cases of extortion to his office," Madoi said. "If I catch anyone extorting money from PDM beneficiaries, they will be arrested and face the law. Don’t think that you will refund the money and go back without punishment."
Ministry of Finance Appeals for Wise Investment
During the meeting, Rahim Kisuyi, an economist from the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, appealed to PDM beneficiaries to invest the funds they receive in productive ventures. He emphasized the importance of wise financial management and urged beneficiaries to focus on activities that would yield profits and improve their economic standing.
“A wise man invests his money where it multiplies, and money moves from a fool to the wise. If you invest this money wisely, it will return with profits. We will ensure you become rich,” Kisuyi said.
Conclusion
The allegations of extortion within the Parish Development Model in Bududa District have cast a shadow over the program's implementation. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring that the intended beneficiaries receive their rightful support without falling victim to corruption. The efforts by Ms. Ritah Namuwenge and the Ministry of Finance to address these issues underscore the government's commitment to transparency and accountability in the administration of the PDM and other poverty alleviation programs.
Source: Meddie Musosi
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