PAC warns of penalties over mismanagement of PDM funds in 24 districts
He also expressed concern that many technical team members seem more focused on personal gain than fulfilling their duties.
Hoima: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a stern warning that it will recommend penalties against technical teams found mismanaging the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
The warning follows revelations of widespread misuse of the PDM funds in 24 districts across the country, uncovered during an ongoing PAC meeting being held at the Hoima District Local Government headquarters, which began on April 28, 2025, and runs until May 1, 2025.
PAC Chairperson Gilbert Oulanya disclosed that investigations have exposed serious irregularities in the fund’s management.
In one notable case, an individual reportedly accessed PDM funds multiple times using the same National Identification Number (NIN) but different phone numbers highlighting loopholes in the system’s verification process.
“The integrity of the PDM is under threat. Some technical officers are either negligent or complicit in this abuse,” Oulanya stated.
During the session, Kasese District was the first to appear before the committee. As a result, Simon Kasereka, the District Commercial Officer, was arrested over alleged involvement in the misappropriation of PDM funds.
Oulanya criticized the PDM focal persons in the affected districts for their failure to properly guide beneficiaries. He noted that their lack of engagement and oversight has led to poor implementation and diminished the program’s intended impact.
“If these teams do not improve their performance, we will propose disciplinary measures and push for the recruitment of more competent and committed personnel,” he said.
He also expressed concern that many technical team members seem more focused on personal gain than fulfilling their duties.
The committee further identified stagnation within local government departments as a contributing factor, citing cases where department heads remain in one position for extended periods, leading to inefficiencies and poor service delivery.
PAC now plans to recommend to Parliament that local government department heads become transferable, in a move aimed at revitalizing public service and enhancing accountability.
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