Kiryandongo – Three town agents in Kigumba Town Council, Kiryandongo District, have been arrested for allegedly extorting money from residents seeking to benefit from the Parish Development Model (PDM) program.
The suspects, identified as Timothy Mwesigwa (Ward A), John Ngambisha (Ward B), and Florence Korugendo (Ward C), were apprehended on Wednesday following multiple complaints. It is alleged that they demanded between 100,000 and 200,000 Ugandan shillings from each applicant.
Kiryandongo Deputy Resident District Commissioner Jonathan Akweteireho confirmed the arrests, stating that one suspect was caught red-handed. He also revealed that investigations are ongoing into other officials suspected of extortion and mismanagement of PDM funds.
The arrested individuals are currently detained at Kiryandongo Central Police Station and will be charged with extortion upon completion of investigations. The Deputy RDC emphasized that such actions not only exploit the community but also hinder the successful implementation of the PDM program.
The PDM, launched by President Yoweri Museveni in Kibuku District, aims to create jobs and address unemployment through financial inclusion, infrastructure development, and agricultural improvement. The program offers low-interest loans to beneficiaries for income-generating activities.
Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere, with two individuals arrested in Masindi District in June for allegedly extorting money from PDM beneficiaries.
