Amolatar, Uganda – The District Chairperson of Amolatar, Geoffrey Ocen Kiring, has ordered the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to swiftly recover one million shillings allocated under the Parish Development Model (PDM) to Amuge Sofia, the wife of Kioga North MP James Olobo Dubai.
The funds, intended to support impoverished communities, were allegedly misdirected to a privileged household, sparking public outrage.
Speaking during a council meeting on Wednesday January 9, 2025, Ocen decried the misuse of funds designed to uplift the vulnerable, warning that such actions could tarnish the integrity of the program.
He noted that Amuge Sofia, a resident of Alwitlongo village in Alobokwe parish, was not eligible for PDM funding under the program’s guidelines.
“This money is meant for the underprivileged, not those already receiving substantial support from the central government,” Ocen remarked.
He emphasized that this breach undermines the program’s credibility and called for stringent measures to prevent future violations.
Documents reviewed by Dokolo Post News Publishers indicate that Amuge Sofia received the funds on August 24, 2024, through her mobile number, 0772594864.
In her application, she claimed her enterprise would be “Alwitlongo PDM Cassava Growers.” However, her association with a high-income household raised questions about the legitimacy of her application.
The funds were approved by the Alobokwe PDM SACCO, whose committee members included Omara Robert (Chairperson), Obura Emmanuel (Secretary), Ogwok George (Treasurer), Angom Christine (Vice Chairperson), and Akello Beatrice.
When contacted, Mr. Omara Robert admitted the disbursement was an error but insisted it had the backing of the parish chief and the community development officer.
Ocen highlighted that several individuals have previously been arrested for unlawfully accessing PDM funds, reiterating the importance of enforcing program guidelines.
“We cannot allow this program, which is supposed to alleviate poverty, to be hijacked by those it was not designed for,” he said.
Residents of Alobokwe parish have expressed outrage, calling for accountability and stricter oversight of the PDM.
Ocen has directed the CAO to recover the funds immediately and ensure that future disbursements adhere strictly to the program’s objectives.
His call comes amid growing concerns about transparency in the administration of PDM funds.
Efforts to reach Amuge Sofia for a comment were unsuccessful by press time.
The Parish Development Model was established to address poverty by funding income-generating activities for vulnerable communities.
However, this incident highlights the challenges of implementing such initiatives without rigorous checks.
As the district moves to recover the funds, the incident serves as a wake-up call for stronger systems to ensure that PDM funds benefit those they are meant to help.
