(Kamuli) – The manager and an accountant from Finance Trust Bank in Kamuli District have been remanded after being charged with embezzling funds meant for the Parish Development Model (PDM), a government program aimed at reducing poverty.
Charles Wambi, the bank manager, and Leticia Nakimuli, the accountant, were presented in court on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, before Kamuli Chief Magistrate Aisha Nabukeera. They face charges of theft and have been remanded until their next court appearance on November 28, 2024.
The two suspects were arrested after a series of investigations identified them as being involved in manipulating the bank’s systems to illegally deduct funds from PDM disbursements. According to reports, the deductions ranged from Sh20,000 to Sh80,000 per beneficiary, which is in direct violation of PDM guidelines.
The PDM program is a government initiative designed to empower Ugandans at the grassroots level by facilitating direct cash transfers to communities in need. However, over 50 beneficiaries filed formal complaints with the police after receiving less money than they were entitled to, prompting the investigation.
Busoga North Police spokesperson Michael Kasadha confirmed the arrests, explaining that the suspects had been out on police bond since earlier this month. The charges were formally presented when the investigation file was complete and ready for court.
The accusations come in the wake of criticism from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, who condemned the deduction of bank charges from PDM funds. During a recent address to regional leaders in Teso, President Museveni emphasized the importance of protecting these funds, which are meant to support the country’s rural economies. He also instructed regional police commanders to deny police bond to individuals accused of embezzling PDM or Emyooga funds.
The investigation into the alleged embezzlement is part of a wider crackdown on fraudulent activities related to government support programs. In August 2024, Julius Mulamba, the chairperson of Muweebwa PDM SACCO in Kamuli Municipality, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from PDM beneficiaries, highlighting ongoing concerns about corruption within the program.
