KAMPALA – The government has significantly escalated its crackdown on extortion related to the Parish Development Model (PDM), following a wave of complaints from citizens across the country. The intensified efforts have resulted in arrests, ongoing court proceedings, and initial convictions in Kasese, Kiryandongo, and Entebbe, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that PDM funds reach beneficiaries without interference.
The crackdown was prompted by grievances raised by wananchi, including Joy Masika in Kasese and Tereza Nakasoma in Entebbe, who reported demands for illegal payments in exchange for accessing the revolving fund. In response, investigative teams led by SSP Byaruhanga Mworozi have been conducting widespread inquiries, leading to a string of court cases.
In Kasese, four individuals—Teopista Biira, Christine Biira, Paul Wameyo, and John Mugisha—have been charged and arraigned before the courts for alleged extortion. Meanwhile, the Kiryandongo Chief Magistrate’s Court has already registered convictions against six people: Esther Akello, Margaret Abalo, Patrick Bugumirwa, Joel Aluku, Eunice Amusolo, and Jacob Mukwana. The swift convictions in Kiryandongo signal the judiciary’s alignment with the executive’s push to stamp out corruption in the program.
In Entebbe, the legal battle continues for Joseph Kalega and Henry Kibowa, who are currently facing a total of 15 counts related to extortion. Court proceedings against the two are ongoing as investigators continue to gather evidence.
SSP Byaruhanga Mworozi, who is leading the ongoing investigations, reiterated that the government is taking a zero-tolerance approach to anyone attempting to monetize the PDM. He emphasized that access to support under the program remains free of charge, warning that all offenders will be brought to justice regardless of their position.
“The directive is clear: no beneficiary should pay a single shilling to access PDM funds,” SSP Mworozi stated. “We are following the trail of complaints raised by citizens like Ms. Masika and Ms. Nakasoma, and we are committed to ensuring that every individual found guilty of extortion faces the full force of the law.”
The latest developments mark a significant step in the government’s efforts to protect the integrity of the PDM, a flagship program aimed at lifting 3.5 million households out of poverty. Authorities are urging the public to continue reporting any cases of extortion to the nearest police station or PDM Secretariat.
