In a significant development, the Uganda Police in Kagadi have apprehended five suspects accused of extortion related to the Parish Development Model (PDM) program.
Among those arrested are Tadeo Tweyonjere, the Kamaira Parish Chief of Rutete sub-county, along with Habert Byabashaija, Innocent Byaruhanga, Noeline Kabasinguzi, and Agatha Tumukunde, all leaders associated with various PDM groups in the area.
According to Obed Ambikiize, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Kagadi, the arrests were prompted by numerous complaints from the public.
The suspects allegedly extorted between 100,000 to 400,000 Ugandan Shillings from each individual seeking to benefit from the PDM program. Upon their arrest, security forces recovered a total of 2,670,000 Shillings believed to have been collected unlawfully from victims.
Ambikiize affirmed, indicating the necessity of the arrests following the widespread grievances reported to his office. Ambikiize further called upon local leaders to collaborate closely with security forces, providing crucial information to root out individuals engaged in such illegal activities.
He emphasized that these actions not only exploit the community but also hinder the effective implementation of the Parish Development Model.
Following investigations, the suspects will face charges of extortion in court, as confirmed by Ambikiize. This incident underscores ongoing efforts to maintain accountability and integrity within the PDM framework, which aims to foster economic growth and social development across Uganda.
Previously, similar arrests were made in Masindi district involving individuals accused of extorting money from PDM beneficiaries, highlighting a broader challenge that authorities are actively addressing.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni launched the Parish Development Model in Kibuku District to enhance job creation and address unemployment through various pillars such as financial inclusion, infrastructure development, and agricultural value chain enhancement.
The PDM program is designed to provide low-cost loans to beneficiaries for sustainable income-generating investments within their communities.
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