KAMPALA — The Government has stepped up enforcement against fraud and extortion linked to the Parish Development Model (PDM), with multiple arrests and ongoing prosecutions recorded in Kasese, Kiryandongo, and Entebbe following complaints raised by citizens during recent political engagements.
Investigations are being led by Byaruhanga Mworozi, the Special Presidential Assistant on Police Affairs, working alongside Territorial Police to address allegations of abuse of the flagship poverty alleviation programme.
Kasese cases
The crackdown follows reports made directly to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during campaign activities in Kasese District in December 2025.
Among the complainants was Ms. Masika Joy, a councillor from Kamayiba Ward, who raised concerns about misuse of PDM funds in Kasese Municipality.
Subsequent investigations established that nine enterprise groups had been defrauded. Two suspects — Biira Teopista and Biira Christine — were arrested and charged with obtaining money by false pretence under Kasese CRB 872/2025.
The pair appeared before the Grade One Magistrate’s Court on January 6, 2026, were remanded until February 10, and have since been released on court bail.
In a related case (CRB 878/2025), Wameyo Paul and Mugisha John also appeared before court, with further investigations ongoing.
Kiryandongo convictions
In Kiryandongo District, complaints raised on December 10, 2025 triggered follow-up engagements in Panyadoli Sub-county involving investigators and affected beneficiaries.
Authorities confirmed that 14 cases were under active investigation and prosecution. So far, two cases have been concluded, resulting in the conviction of six individuals: Akello Esther, Abalo Margaret, Bugumirwa Patrick, Aluku Joel, Amusolo Eunice, and Mukwana Jacob.
The remaining cases are still before the courts.
Entebbe arrests
In Entebbe, a complaint lodged on January 5, 2026 by Nakasoma Tereza, also known as Nabakyala of Namulanda, revealed that 14 members of her enterprise group had allegedly been extorted during registration into a local PDM SACCO.
Investigations led to the arrest of Kalega Joseph and Kibowa Henry on January 7. The two were charged with 15 counts of obtaining money by false pretence under Kajjansi CRB 22/2026.
They appeared before the Kajjansi Grade One Magistrate’s Court on February 11 and were remanded. The case is scheduled for further hearing on April 20, 2026.
Government warning
Authorities say publicising the arrests and prosecutions is part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of the PDM programme, encourage whistleblowers, and deter exploitation of beneficiaries.
The Government reiterated that access to PDM support is free and warned that no official is authorised to solicit money from citizens for registration or participation.
Citizens have been urged to continue reporting cases of extortion, while investigative and judicial bodies have been called upon to expedite handling of such cases.
Officials say the crackdown is critical to restoring public confidence and ensuring the programme achieves its goal of transitioning households from subsistence living into the money economy.
