Three staff members were arrested in Gulu District on Friday, July 26, 2024, for allegedly extorting over shillings 500,000 from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM). The arrested individuals are the Parish Chief, the Chairperson of the SACCOS, and a member of the vetting committee, all from Bungatira sub-county, Gulu District.
Gulu Deputy RDC Mr. Cosmas James Okid, acting as a complainant on behalf of the government, recorded a statement at the Central Police Station (CPS) under GEF 077/2024, initiating an investigation into the PDM-related extortion.
According to DRDC Cosmas, the arrests came to light following a visit by Deputy National Coordinator PDM Madam Hon Jovrine Kalisa to Gulu District. During a district stakeholders meeting held on July 25, 2024, at Gulu Council Hall, victims revealed the extortion.
The Deputy National Coordinator’s visit significantly impacted the disbursement of funds to beneficiaries. She, together with the district team, pressured financial institutions like Post Bank to expedite payments, especially for those already in the system.
The team engaged with numerous beneficiary groups in Paibona and Awach sub-counties, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fulfilling its pledges and fostering socio-economic transformation. “Let’s embrace these programs to end poverty and improve our livelihood,” Gulu DRDC urged residents in Pageya parish, Awach Sub-County.
His Excellency, President of the Republic of Uganda, Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and Chairman of the NRM party, has declared war on corrupt individuals. As a result, many are facing trial. “This must send a strong signal to those in various offices. We must condemn corruption unequivocally because it’s taking the country back to the dark days before 1986. Let’s fight corruption from where we are, and I appeal to you to report any incidents so we can take action,” Cosmas James Okidi stated.
