The Auditor General, Edward Akol, has raised concerns over the management of the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, revealing that only UGX 9.340 billion has been recovered from 18,105 beneficiaries across 709 SACCOs in 30 local governments, despite the government releasing a cumulative UGX 3.258 trillion to 10,589 PDM SACCOs since 2022.
Akol made the disclosure while presenting the December 2025 Annual Audit Report to Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, on January 29, 2026. He highlighted several challenges affecting PDM implementation, including funding of ghost projects, delays in disbursing funds to households, financing of ineligible projects, diversion of funds, and duplicate recipients.
“Of the beneficiaries who received PDM funds by December 2022, a total of 18,105 beneficiaries in 709 SACCOs in 30 local governments had commenced voluntary recovery, and a sum of UGX 9.340 billion had been recovered. However, there was no evidence of preparedness for recovery in all local governments,” Akol said.
He further noted that out of UGX 3.258 trillion released, only UGX 2.750 trillion (84%) had reached households by the end of FY 2024/25, leaving UGX 508.646 billion (16%) undisbursed.
Speaker Among urged the Auditor General to rigorously audit the funds to ensure they reach the intended beneficiaries. “Auditor General, we want you to whip. This money should go to the right people. We cannot appropriate funds, and then 70% of the beneficiaries are wealthy while 30% get nothing,” she said. Among also linked PDM successes to the NRM’s electoral performance, noting that proper distribution of PDM funds had contributed to voter support.
However, questions were raised about the need for further automation of PDM, despite the existence of the WENDI platform. Paul Omara (Otuke County) questioned why additional funds were needed when WENDI already facilitates transactions.
In response, Isabirye, representing the Committee on Finance, explained that the Ministry plans to roll out further electronic government services, including smart city solutions, for which UGX 45 billion is required in FY 2026/27. So far, only UGX 34 billion has been allocated, leaving a funding gap of UGX 11 billion.
The audit highlights persistent challenges in fund management, accountability, and timely disbursement, underscoring the need for strengthened oversight to ensure that PDM funds benefit the intended communities.
