Arrested Zombo parish chiefs released after repaying embezzled PDM Funds
The government continues to tighten regulations and monitor PDM implementation to ensure the initiative benefits the intended communities.
Zombo: Two parish chiefs who were arrested over mismanagement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds have been released after refunding the embezzled money.
Judith Kawun, the Parish Chief of Alube in Kango Sub-County, and Mananu Betty Diana, the Parish Chief of Omua Ward, Warr Town Council, were detained at Paidha Central Police Station following allegations that they had diverted PDM funds to their spouses, close relatives, and unqualified individuals outside their jurisdictions.
Zombo Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Festus Ayikobua confirmed their release on Monday, March 17, 2025, after the two refunded over UGX 4 million.
Judith Kawun refunded UGX 3.5 million while Mananu Betty Diana deposited UGX 2 million into the Wendi account
“My first priority was to recover this money and ensure it is given to the rightful beneficiaries,” RDC Ayikobua stated. He also directed the parish chiefs to clear their names at the office of the Chief Administrative Officer.
The RDC and his team have been actively monitoring government programs, especially PDM, which has been plagued by corruption, extortion, and mismanagement.
Recently, Ayikobua launched a crackdown on Parish Development Committees (PDCs) in Paidha Sub-County, following complaints from elders about widespread extortion by local leaders.
Despite these challenges, Zombo District has successfully disbursed over UGX 4 billion to 4,000+ beneficiaries under the PDM initiative, which was launched in 2022.
LCV Chairperson James Oyullu Oruna revealed that 81% of the UGX 6.1 billion allocated to the district has been distributed across 61 parishes.
He urged the technical team to expedite disbursements in the remaining parishes.
RDC Ayikobua praised other parishes for embracing PDM and highlighted positive testimonials from farmers benefiting from the program.
The Ugandan government has issued strict measures to address mismanagement of PDM funds:
President Yoweri Museveni has proposed a 10-month jail term for PDM fund defaulters and embezzlers to allow time for fund recovery.
Last week, Lira Chief Magistrate Court sentenced Sara Atim, the Chairperson of Ipito Aweno PDM SACCO in Lira City, to one year and eleven months in prison for PDM fund mismanagement.
Despite PDM’s successes, concerns over fund misuse, extortion, and poor financial management persist.
District Councilor for Youths, Derick Rwothungeyu Ocweda, called for continuous community sensitization to ensure funds are used wisely.
Evelyn Jane Othora, Chairperson of the Production and Natural Resources Committee, recommended capacity building and technical support for parish chiefs and PDM SACCO leaders to improve fund management and speed up disbursements.
Parish Development Committees in Paidha Sub-County are facing increased scrutiny over allegations of selective beneficiary selection and extortion.
Assistant RDC Bruno Obomba Manano warned against corruption, urging locals to report any cases of extortion immediately for action to be taken.
“Do not let anyone exploit you. Report any cases of extortion immediately so we can take action,” Obomba emphasized.
The government continues to tighten regulations and monitor PDM implementation to ensure the initiative benefits the intended communities.
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