MUGABE R
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Rukungiri, Bron Kikanshemeza, has suspended the disbursement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to non-residents who were not born in Rukungiri Municipality and the entire district.
He issued the directive on 20th November 2025, during a harmonization meeting with residents of Rwakabengo Ward, Southern Division, Rukungiri Municipality, convened to resolve disagreements between the PDM Secretariat and beneficiaries who had been petitioned by January Ephraim at Rwakabengo Catholic Church.
Bron pledged close monitoring of the beneficiary selection process and emphasized a first-come, first-served approach to eliminate favoritism. He also ordered the Secretariat to refrain from disbursing funds to non-residents by birth, noting that every person must benefit from their ancestral parish since the fund is revolving and meant for locals, not intruders.
January Ephraim, the petitioner, said his intention is to ensure justice prevails, accusing some officials of corruption, including allegedly charging a 100,000 shillings fee to access PDM benefits, crowding applications, and allowing beneficiaries who open the way for intruders.
Hajjati Mark Sulait, the PDM SACCO Chairperson, dismissed the accusations, attributing them to frustrations over delayed opportunities to benefit and resistance to government programmes.
Frank Turyagyenda, the Town Agent, accused January Ephraim of masterminding the drama after being denied an opportunity to benefit because the slot had already been taken by his wife.
