HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I A wave of arrests and prosecutions has been launched across Uganda following growing complaints of fraud and extortion linked to the Parish Development Model (PDM), as authorities intensify efforts to protect funds meant to uplift households from poverty.
The crackdown follows concerns raised by wananchi during the recently concluded NRM presidential campaign engagements in Kasese, Kiryandongo and Entebbe, prompting investigations led by Byaruhanga Mworozi, the Special Presidential Assistant on Police Affairs, working closely with Territorial Police.
In Kasese District, the probe was triggered on December 4, 2025, when residents directly petitioned Yoweri Kaguta Museveni over alleged abuse of the programme. Among those who spoke out was Ms. Masika Joy, a councillor from Kamayiba Ward in Kasese Municipality.
Subsequent investigations revealed that nine enterprise groups had been defrauded, leading to the arrest of Biira Teopista and Biira Christine. The duo was charged with obtaining money by false pretence under Kasese CRB 872/2025. They first appeared before the Grade One Magistrate’s Court on January 6, 2026, and were remanded until February 10 before being released on bail.
In a related case under Kasese CRB 878/2025, two other suspects, Wameyo Paul and Mugisha John, were also arraigned in court as investigations into additional files continue.
A similar pattern of abuse was uncovered in Kiryandongo District, where wananchi raised concerns on December 10, 2025, over alleged extortion and mismanagement of PDM funds. Follow-up engagements between investigators and complainants in Panyadoli Sub-county confirmed that at least 14 cases were already under active investigation and prosecution.
So far, two of those cases have been concluded, resulting in the conviction of six individuals: Akello Esther, Abalo Margaret, Bugumirwa Patrick, Aluku Joel, Amusolo Eunice and Mukwana Jacob. Court proceedings in the remaining cases are ongoing.
In Entebbe, fresh arrests were made after a whistleblower, Nakasoma Tereza—also known as Nabakyala of Namulanda—reported that 14 beneficiaries in her enterprise group had been extorted during the registration process by officials of the local PDM SACCO.
Investigations led to the arrest of Kalega Joseph and Kibowa Henry on January 7, 2026. The two were charged with 15 counts of obtaining money by false pretence under Kajjansi CRB 22/2026. They appeared before the Kajjansi Grade One Magistrate’s Court on February 11 and were remanded, with the case scheduled to resume on April 20, 2026.
Authorities say the arrests are part of a broader effort to safeguard the integrity of the Parish Development Model, a flagship government initiative aimed at transitioning households from subsistence living to participation in the money economy.
Officials emphasized that publicizing the arrests and court proceedings is intended to expose individuals exploiting wananchi, deter would-be offenders, and encourage more citizens to come forward with credible information.
“The government reiterates that access to PDM support is free of charge, and no official at any level is authorized to solicit money from citizens,” a statement from the investigative team noted.
Members of the public have been urged to remain vigilant and report any cases of extortion or fraud to relevant authorities, as enforcement agencies step up efforts to restore trust in the programme.
At the same time, investigative, prosecutorial and judicial bodies have been called upon to expedite the handling of PDM-related cases to ensure timely justice and reinforce public confidence.
With the latest arrests spanning multiple districts, government officials say the message is clear: misuse of funds intended for poverty alleviation will not be tolerated, as Uganda seeks to ensure that the Parish Development Model achieves its intended goal of transforming livelihoods across the country.
