Zombo PDM leaders in trouble for deleting beneficiary lists

Zombo: Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO leaders at the parish level in Paidha Sub-County, Zombo District, are under scrutiny for allegedly manipulating beneficiary lists.

Reports indicate that these leaders have been replacing legitimate beneficiaries with their own preferred individuals by listing the names of living individuals among the deceased.

Concerned elders from Paidha Sub-County raised the issue on February 3 by reporting to the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Zombo, Festus Ayikobua. This prompted the RDC to swiftly convene a crisis meeting with locals in Awendukei, Otheko Parish, on the same day to address the pressing matter.

Ali Opoka, a resident of Awendukei village, expressed frustration upon discovering that his name had been listed among the deceased, despite paying over UGX 50,000 to access the funds.

“We were registered in 2021 and spent so much money, but up to now, we have not received anything. When I went to the SACCO office, I found my name on the list of the dead. What kind of leaders are these?” Opoka lamented.

Abdulai Oroga, 65, another elder who reported the matter, accused the leaders of replacing registered beneficiaries by falsely listing them among the dead.

“We were the first group to register here as elders. We paid UGX 50,000 to access the funds, but nothing has happened. Instead, our names appear among the dead,” Oroga noted.

Walter Piker, another resident, accused the leaders of extorting UGX 15,000 from him and later listing him as deceased under unclear circumstances.

Meanwhile, Rose Awacango, the Chairperson of Pikwo Union Group in Paidha Sub-County, placed the blame on the parish-level leadership and called for immediate action from the RDC.

Other community members accused the leaders of imposing unnecessary charges and urged the RDC to intervene.

The LCI Chairperson of Awendukei Village, Alex Oaikani, blamed locals for failing to report their complaints to his office. Similarly, the LCIII Chairperson of Paidha Sub-County, William Okethi, noted that some concerns had not yet reached his office.

Zombo District has successfully disbursed over UGX 4 billion to more than 4,000 beneficiaries under the PDM program, which was launched in 2022. This represents over 80% of the UGX 6.1 billion allocated to the district’s 61 parishes.

James Oyullu Oruna, the LCV Chairperson of Zombo District, shared updates during a recent council meeting in Warr Town Council. “We have disbursed UGX 4.95 billion out of UGX 6.1 billion. So far, 29 parishes have achieved 100% disbursement. This progress is commendable, and I thank everyone involved for their hard work,” Oyullu noted.

He urged the district’s technical team to continue guiding leaders and communities in the remaining parishes to expedite the disbursement process.

Despite progress, reports have surfaced about fund mismanagement. Last year, allegations emerged that some beneficiaries were diverting the funds to non-productive activities.

The District Councillor for Youth, Derick Rwothungeyu Ocweda, praised the production committee but stressed the need for continuous community sensitization.

“We must ensure that people use these funds wisely. More focus on education and awareness is crucial,” Ocweda emphasized.

Evelyn Jane Othora, Chairperson of the Production and Natural Resources Committee, highlighted the need for enhanced training.

“We recommend capacity building and technical support for parish chiefs and PDM SACCO leaders. This will speed up disbursements and improve fund management,” she stated.

RDC Festus Ayikobua condemned the fraudulent practice and ordered all PDM SACCO leaders in Paidha Sub-County to appear in his office on Monday next week.

Ayikobua, rallying the locals to join efforts in fighting corruption, provided his telephone contact for direct reporting of such cases.

The PDM program has faced challenges, including allegations of extortion by some parish chiefs and SACCO leaders. In Kango Sub-County, a recent crackdown led to the arrest of several SACCO officials accused of demanding bribes from beneficiaries.

Bruno Obomba Manano, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Zombo, issued a stern warning against these practices.

“Do not let anyone exploit you. Report any cases of extortion immediately so we can take action,” Obomba urged during a belated Youth Day celebration in Paidha Town Council.

The Parish Development Model, launched by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, aims to mobilize 17.5 million Ugandans from 3.5 million households. It seeks to empower communities to take charge of their development, ensuring sustainable poverty alleviation at the grassroots level.

With ongoing investigations and growing concerns about corruption, local authorities and residents hope that stronger measures will be put in place to ensure transparency and accountability in PDM fund distribution.

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