Two Zombo parish chiefs in hot soup over mismanagement of PDM Funds

By Mike Rwothomio

Two parish chiefs have been arrested in Zombo over reported mismanagement and extortion of Parish Development Model(PDM) Funds.

 Judith Kawun, the Parish chief of Alube Parish, Kango sub county and Manano Betty Diana, of Omua Ward, Warr town council were arrested by the Resident District Commissioner of Zombo Festus Ayikobua and his team.

Ayikubua, in an interview with this publication on saturday March 15, 2025 confirmed the arrest, disclosing that the two suspects disbursed the funds to their spouses and close relatives, levying exorbitant fees and depriving other people from getting the funds.

Ayikobua added that, Mananu, picked shs. 4 million and gave to her husband and smuggled into Alube Parish, people who are purported to be residents of the Omua Ward in Warr town council.

Meanwhile Kawun also smuggled her husband from Arua city and others to share shs.3 million PDM funds leaving out beneficiaries in Zombo district.

“They decided to give this money to their husbands who are not members of the villages, one of them gave the money to her husband staying in Arua, what is this?” He wondered.

By press time the duo were  awaiting their fate in the cell of   Paidha Central Police Station.

The RDC asserted that the duo will appear in court if they fail to pay the revolving fund.

Progress

Zombo District successfully disbursed over UGX 4 billion to more than 4,000 beneficiaries under the Parish Development Model (PDM) programme, which was launched in 2022.

James Oyullu Oruna, the LCV Chairperson of Zombo District, shared updates during a recent council meeting, revealing the district has so far disbursed 81% of the UGX 6.1 billion allocated, which spans 61 parishes.

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

RDC Ayikubua is pleased with other parishes for embracing the PDM program in Zombo, saying, “others are doing so well, we appreciate them and we have farmers to testify good about PDM program.”

The government has also taken measures to address these challenges.

President Yoweri Museveni has issued a stern warning to defaulters of the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, proposing a 10-month jail term for PDM fund defaulters and embezzlers, allowing the government time to recover lost funds.

In a similar development, Lira chief Magistrate court last week sentenced Sara Atim, the Chairperson of Ipito Aweno PDM SACCO in Lira city to one year and eleven months’ jail term.

The PDM initiative, a government strategy aimed at poverty alleviation through community-driven development, empowers local communities to identify and address their own development needs. It is part of a national effort to uplift 10,000 parishes across Uganda.

Concerns and Recommendations

Despite the progress, reports have repeatedly been emerging about fund misuse, mismanagement and extortion.  Earlier this year, allegations surfaced about beneficiaries diverting funds for non-productive luxuries.

The District Councilor for Youths, Derick Rwothungeyu Ocweda, emphasized the need for continuous community sensitization.

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

Evelyn Jane Othora, Chairperson of the Production and Natural Resources Committee, highlighted the in a recent council sitting 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.

Addressing Corruption Allegations

Recently, Parish development committees from Paidha sub county, came under intense scrutiny by the RDC and his team, following high allegations of extortion and selective picking of beneficiaries.

Bruno Obomba Manano, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner of Zombo, issued a stern warning against such practices. “Do not let anyone exploit you. Report any cases of extortion immediately so we can take action,” Obomba urged.