Alebtong, Uganda – In a decisive move to strengthen accountability and improve the impact of the Parish Development Model (PDM), the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Alebtong, led by Deputy RDC Mathias Lutwama, convened a high-level community engagement on 2nd January 2025 at Alengo Village, Akwangkel Parish, Aloi Subcounty.
The gathering aimed to assess the progress of PDM implementation and ensure the funds were reaching intended beneficiaries without hindrance.
Over 300 participants, including local leaders and residents from Akwangkel PDM SACCO, attended the meeting.
Among them were Assistant RDC Ongom Lameck, SAS Aloi, the LC III Chairperson of Aloi, police officials, and Honourable Councilors.
In a show of commitment to transparency, Deputy RDC Lutwama read out a list of 199 beneficiaries who had received UGX 1 million each over the past two years.
The participants confirmed the receipt of funds, which they used to boost income-generating projects in piggery, poultry farming, and cattle rearing.
However, the meeting took a serious turn when participants accused two SACCO leaders of extorting money from applicants in exchange for access to the funds.
Some beneficiaries reported being forced to pay bribes ranging from UGX 50,000 to UGX 150,000.
Lutwama condemned the extortion in the strongest terms and swiftly ordered the suspects to be handed over to the police for prosecution.
“Corruption has no place in this program. The PDM is meant to uplift every household, and anyone sabotaging it will face the law. We are committed to ensuring that these funds benefit the most vulnerable without discrimination or exploitation,” he said.
Despite the challenges, many beneficiaries shared positive stories about how the funds transformed their livelihoods.
One farmer explained how the UGX 1 million enabled him to expand his piggery project, significantly increasing his household income.
Another resident lauded the program for enabling her to start a poultry business, allowing her to pay school fees for her children.
The Deputy RDC encouraged new beneficiaries to emulate those who had successfully utilized the funds and to prioritize sustainable business ventures.
He reminded them that the government is planning to increase parish allocations to UGX 200 million based on the successful utilization of current disbursements.
“This initial disbursement is a test of your ability to manage resources effectively. Use it well, and the government will commit more funds to support your growth,” Lutwama added.
Local leaders echoed Lutwama’s call for vigilance and community unity in implementing PDM.
Aloi Sub County LC III Chairperson, Kasule Jimmy, has confirmed the arrest of three leaders from Akwangkel PDM SACCO over allegations of extorting money from PDM beneficiaries.
He emphasized the need for integrity, stating, “We cannot tolerate actions that exploit the very people these programs aim to uplift.”
Kasule urged residents to report misconduct and work together to build sustainable enterprises.
He assured the public that investigations are ongoing and called for unity and transparency to ensure the PDM benefits everyone fairly and fosters community development.
The engagement ended with a resolution to intensify monitoring of PDM activities and promote integrity among SACCO leaders.
