By Mike Rwothomio 

Judith Kawun, the Parish chief of Alube in Kango Sub county and her counter part Mananu Betty Diana of Omua ward, Warr town council were released from Paidha Central Police station on Monday morning , after they paid back Parish development model (PDM) funds they had reportedly mismanaged.

The duo which spent days at Paidha Central Police station, was arrested by RDC of Zombo Festus Ayikobua over allegations of diverting the funds to their spouses, close relatives and smuggled people outside their their lower local government units.

RDC Ayikobua in an interview at Paidha Central Police station on Monday 17 March, 2025, confirmed the release of the duo upon refunding back over 4 million cash, warning of serious future actions against perpetrators of the vice at all levels.

 RDC Ayikobua also directed the released parish chiefs to go and clear their names at the office of the chief administrative officer.

" Shillings 3.5 Million has currently been recovered from the Parish chief of Kango, and the one of Warr has also deposited shillings 2 Million in the Wendi account" Ayikobua said.

He added " my first fight was to see how this money can come back and be given to the right people"  

The RDC and his assistants since the beginning of the year, has been involved in extensive monitoring of government programs, with more focus on the PDM, that is marred with body of extortion and mismanagement by the Parish development committees and chiefs.

Recently, the RDC launched a crack down on PDCs in Paidha Sub-County, after a section of disgruntled elders from the area reported wide spread extortion of beneficiaries by the leaders.

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.