Staff Reporter
State Minister of Finance Henry Musasizi has directed District Security Officials to investigate allegations of fraud and mismanagement within the Parish Development Model (PDM) program.
Musasizi, who is also the Member of Parliament for Rubanda East and the NRM Chairperson for Rubanda District, made this announcement today during the opening ceremony of the newly constructed Bulimbe Catholic Church in Ikumba Sub-county, Rubanda District.
The PDM program was established by the government to improve the living standards of the 39% of Ugandans still engaged in subsistence agriculture.
To date, the government has invested trillions of shillings in the program. However, Musasizi reported that there have been allegations of fraud and mismanagement in several districts, including Bushenyi and Sembabule.
He highlighted concerns about beneficiaries facing extortion from officials managing the PDM program. Musasizi noted that during a recent visit to Bushenyi, he discovered some PDM funds were allocated to non-existent beneficiaries. He also received reports of authorities demanding bribes from PDM beneficiaries, including in Greater Kabale. Musasizi emphasized that this corruption must stop.
Additionally, Musasizi expressed concern that some recipients of PDM loans have not shown any tangible results from the support they received. He urged Commercial Officers, Parish Chiefs, and other PDM officials to provide guidance to beneficiaries and ensure regular performance evaluations.
According to Musasizi, up to Ug. Shs. 13 billion has been allocated to Rubanda District for the PDM over the past two financial years.
In his homily, Kabale Diocese Bishop Rt Rev Callist Rubaramira, who presided over the event, urged the congregation to use the newly commissioned church for its intended holy purposes.
