Police in Amolatar are on the lookout for several individuals accused of mishandling more than 300 million Ugandan Shillings allocated for the Parish Development Model (PDM). The hunt follows the apprehension of ten suspects suspected of unlawfully diverting the funds. These individuals are currently detained at Amolatar Central Police Station pending further investigation.
Francis Okello, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Amolatar, revealed that they have suspended the distribution of over 50 million Shillings of PDM funds per parish until a thorough inquiry into the alleged embezzlement is conducted and those responsible are brought to justice.
Okello highlighted instances where large sums of money meant for multiple beneficiaries were reportedly received by single individuals. For example, he mentioned a case where a woman from Nakati Parish received 14 million Shillings, which was intended for 14 beneficiaries. Such discrepancies raise suspicions of collusion between certain individuals, including SACCO leaders and beneficiaries, and the sub-County Community Development Officer (CDO), who are responsible for verifying the distribution of funds.
The RDC expressed strong condemnation of corruption within the district, asserting that such practices will not be tolerated. He urged those involved in the alleged misappropriation to surrender to the police, warning that there will be no leniency in dealing with the perpetrators. Okello assured the public that the district security team is actively monitoring all entry and exit points within Amolatar to ensure that suspects cannot evade arrest.
In response to the scandal, the district administration has temporarily suspended the disbursement of PDM funds. This measure aims to prevent further misuse of funds and ensure that the rightful beneficiaries receive their allocations. Okello emphasized the importance of transparency in handling public funds and urged all responsible parties to refrain from tampering with the allocated money.
