Kiryandongo Parish Chiefs accused of extortion
The initiative seeks to transition 39% of households from subsistence to money economies, positioning the parish as a development center.
Kiryandongo: Residents in Kiryandongo District are accusing parish chiefs of extorting money from them to access benefits from the Parish Development Model (PDM).
Beneficiaries report that officials demand payments ranging from Shs100,000 to Shs200,000, which many consider excessive and a barrier to receiving assistance.
Sam Kubarwa, a resident of Kalangala Village in Kihebera Parish, stated that parish chiefs sometimes collude with SACCO chairpersons to carry out these extortion schemes.
John Okoti, LC2 Chairman for Ward C in Kigumba Town Council, emphasized that many residents are not benefiting from the poverty alleviation program due to favoritism toward those with financial resources.
Joshua Alinda expressed frustration over the slow and burdensome process, noting that many have given up hope of benefiting from the program because they cannot afford to pay bribes.
Kiryandongo Assistant Resident District Commissioner Samuel Mbabazi acknowledged the persistent issue of extortion, revealing that three parish chiefs are currently facing legal action, with one having confessed and issued an apology.
He warned that if extortion continues, police bonds will not be granted to suspects to help curb the problem.
Martin Jachan, the Kiryandongo Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), noted that while there have been cases of extortion in the past, there have been no new reports in the last month, indicating a reduction in such incidents.
In a related incident, three town agents from Kigumba Town Council were arrested for alleged extortion. Timothy Mwesigwa (Ward A), John Ngambisha (Ward B), and Florence Korugendo (Ward C) were detained following a security operation in response to numerous complaints. They reportedly extorted between Shs100,000 and Shs200,000 from individuals seeking to benefit from the PDM.
Jonathan Akweteireho, the Kiryandongo Deputy Resident District Commissioner, stated that his office launched investigations after receiving multiple complaints, including one where a suspect was caught red-handed extorting money from residents.
The Parish Development Model, officially launched by President Yoweri Museveni in 2022, aims to enhance household incomes and integrate communities into the money economy.
The initiative seeks to transition 39% of households from subsistence to money economies, positioning the parish as a development center.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256394700683.
