Staff Reporter
Ronald Andrew Bakak, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Kabale, has directed those sabotaging the Parish Development Model (PDM) program to either refund the funds they have extorted from beneficiaries or resign from their positions. Despite numerous discussions about the proper implementation procedures, many Parish Chiefs and some PDM SACCO leaders have failed to comply. Bakak has warned that arresting the saboteurs might be the only option left.
Bakak, who plans to conduct an oversight visit to monitor PDM progress in Kahungye Sub County, Ndorwa West County in Kabale District tomorrow (Monday), has emphasized that the saboteurs must return the money or step down. He is only interested in verifying receipts to ensure that the funds are recovered and used for their intended purpose.
On Thursday, several officials were arrested on Bakak’s orders for misappropriating and extorting PDM funds. Among those arrested were Herbert Mubangizi, the Parish Chief of Kisibo Parish in Kibuga Sub-county, as well as Kakuru Maxison, Daniel Byamukama, John Bosco Rugambwa, Samuel Akanyijuka, Derick Niwagaba, Fred Mubangizi, and Loyce Ahimbisibwe, the Chairperson of Karubanda Ward SACCO in Southern Division of Kabale Municipality.
The PDM program was launched by the government to enhance the living standards of the 39% of Ugandans still engaged in subsistence agriculture.
