Police in Kagadi have arrested five individuals implicated in extortion linked to the Parish Development Model (PDM) program. Among those apprehended are Tadeo Tweyonjere, the Kamaira Parish Chief of Rutete sub-county, along with Habert Byabashaija, Innocent Byaruhanga, Noeline Kabasinguzi, and Agatha Tumukunde, all associated with various PDM groups in the region.
Obed Ambikiize, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Kagadi, disclosed that public outcry prompted these arrests. The suspects allegedly coerced sums ranging from 100,000 to 400,000 Ugandan Shillings from individuals seeking benefits from the PDM initiative. Upon their capture, authorities seized a total of 2,670,000 Shillings believed to have been unlawfully collected.
Ambikiize stressed the necessity of these arrests in response to widespread grievances filed with his office. He urged local leaders to collaborate closely with security forces, providing crucial information to identify and dismantle such illicit activities.
In subsequent interviews, Ambikiize reaffirmed the importance of these actions, citing their detrimental impact on both the community and the effective rollout of the Parish Development Model. He emphasized the program’s goal of fostering economic growth and social development nationwide.
Further investigations will lead to the suspects facing extortion charges in court, as confirmed by Ambikiize. This incident underscores ongoing efforts to uphold accountability and integrity within the PDM framework.
Similar incidents have occurred previously in Masindi district, underscoring a broader challenge that authorities are actively addressing. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni originally launched the Parish Development Model in Kibuku District, aiming to combat unemployment and stimulate economic growth through initiatives like financial inclusion, infrastructure development, and agricultural enhancements.
Through low-cost loans, the PDM program seeks to empower beneficiaries to invest in sustainable income-generating ventures within their communities, aligning with broader national development goals.
