Staff Reporter
Seven officials, including a Parish Chief, a PDM Sacco Chairperson, and several town agents from Muramba Sub County and Bunagana Town Council in Kisoro District, have been arrested for allegedly extorting individuals seeking benefits from the Parish Development Model (PDM) project.
The arrested individuals are Kakuze Pauline, Gisozi Parish Chief in Muramba Sub County; Ndazigaruye Emmanuel, Chairperson of Sooko PDM Sacco; Nshimiyimana Grolia, town agent for Maziba Ward; Murekatete Agnes, office attendant at Bunagana Town Council; Nyirabutumwa Phoebe, town agent for Gitowa Ward; and Nyiramugisha Jennifer, town agent for Bunagana Ward. They are accused of extorting between 100,000 and 150,000 Shillings from beneficiaries.
The arrests took place yesterday during a review of the PDM impact in Kisoro, conducted by the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) office. Community members were encouraged to anonymously report officials who demanded bribes to access PDM benefits.
Kisoro RDC Hajji Badru Ssebyala highlighted the widespread nature of corruption and urged the public to assist authorities in combating it.
Kisoro Deputy RDC Robert Tukamuhebwa directed the arrests following complaints from beneficiaries who alleged that the officials were involved in extortion and incompetence. Tukamuhebwa revealed that the officials were under investigation and instructed them to report to the police for questioning.
John Bosco Nteziyaremye, Sooko Parish Chief, was also detained for allegedly accepting bribes before adding beneficiaries to the list. According to Valence Hagumimana, the Kisoro Assistant RDC, the assessment will extend to all Sub Counties and Town Councils, beginning with Muramba Sub County and Bunagana Town Council. Hagumimana urged the public to report any instances of extortion.
Kisoro OWC Coordinator Col Deo Kaita warned PDM beneficiaries that the funds are refundable, and non-compliance will lead to legal action. He urged parish chiefs and town agents to be vigilant in their duties and warned that those involved in corruption will be prosecuted and held accountable.
