Dokolo, Uganda – The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Dokolo, Barbara Akech, has urged the public to safeguard their mobile money PINs following a case where an elderly PDM beneficiary, Odongo John, lost UGX 1 million to theft after sharing his PIN.
Speaking to Dokolo Post, Akech narrated the incident involving a boda boda rider which Odongo had been using, identified as Okello Ricky, who exploited Odongo’s trust to steal his Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
The theft took place in Kangai sub-county after Odongo received his funds through mobile money.
RDC Akech explained that Okello used the MTN MoMo Pay service to carry out the fraudulent transaction at a fuel station in Chwagere, Kangai sub-county where Okello transferred UGX 1 million to the mobile money account of the fuel attendant, requesting UGX 20,000 worth of fuel.
The attendant deducted the fuel cost and handed the remaining UGX 980,000 in cash to Okello.
The matter was reported to Kwera Police Station under CRB 92/2024 and Odongo was advised by the police to get a print out of where the funds were transferred. The print out revealed that the money was transferred to merchand code of the fuel station. Investigations led to the arrest of the pam attendant, who initially denied involvement.
However, with evidence from the MTN transaction records and accounts from the fuel station attendant, Okello was later arrested and identified in a police lineup were confessed to the crime.
The stolen funds were recovered after Okello’s family sold a cow he had purchased using the stolen money.
The money was handed back to Odongo on January 20, 2025.
RDC Akech expressed concern over the misuse of PDM funds due to poor financial management and lack of caution.
Akech, has issued a strong warning about the importance of protecting mobile money PINs to avoid fraud.
She stressed that beneficiaries must never share their PINs with anyone, even if they trust them and always ensure they personally handle their financial transactions. If assistance is needed, it should only come from authorized agents, without disclosing any sensitive details.
Akech further emphasized that the Parish Development Model (PDM) is a crucial government initiative designed to improve lives, but beneficiaries must be vigilant to avoid losing funds to fraud or carelessness.
She also addressed a separate incident involving PDM funds that were mistakenly sent to non-residents of Ajiba Parish.
These funds have since been recovered and will be redistributed to the rightful beneficiaries.
Okello Ricky, who stole PDM funds from an elderly beneficiary, has been charged with theft and is awaiting prosecution.
The RDC reassured the public that measures are in place to protect the integrity of government programs and ensure beneficiaries are safeguarded from fraud.
