By Joshua Olomo
Kwania, Uganda | Police in Kwania District have arrested a town agent attached to Eastern Ward in Inomo Town Council over allegations of extorting money from residents seeking leadership positions in Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO structures.
The suspect, identified as Geoffrey Ebong, was arrested by security officers from Inomo Police Station following complaints from residents and aspiring candidates who alleged that he had been demanding money from individuals interested in contesting for various positions in the PDM management committees.
According to reports, the town agent allegedly collected between sh20,000 and sh50,000 from aspiring candidates under the pretext of facilitating their participation in the election process.
The allegations emerged at a time when PDM SACCOs across Kwania District are preparing to elect new leadership structures following a directive issued during a recent meeting that brought together SACCO chairpersons, town agents and parish chiefs from the district’s 49 parishes.
The meeting tasked local leaders with organising special general meetings to elect members of the vetting committees, supervisory boards and operational committees, including production and loan committees.
Kwania Assistant Resident District Commissioner, Ceasor Obada, confirmed the arrest and said his office had received numerous complaints from residents and local leaders regarding the alleged extortion.
Obada said the reports prompted him to direct the Officer-in-Charge of Inomo Police Station to apprehend the suspect and record a statement as investigations continue.
One of the complainants, Odora George, who had expressed interest in contesting for the position of General Secretary, alleged that the town agent demanded sh30,000 from him. George claimed he was informed that the money had been agreed upon by members of the Parish Development Committee and Local Council I leaders and was intended for officials in the district commercial office as well as visitors overseeing the elections.
George said he initially declined to pay the money but later returned to the office to pay the money. However, by that time, the town agent reportedly declined to receive the money and ordered him out of the office after receiving pressure from other individuals.
Another resident, Gole Moses of Alai B Cell in Eastern Ward, said community members had raised concerns over what he described as recurring incidents of corruption linked to the same official.
Moses alleged that similar complaints had previously surfaced during the implementation of the cattle restocking programme and earlier PDM activities. He further claimed that there were attempts by some individuals to retain former leaders in office to advance personal interests.
Meanwhile, Kwania District Principal Commercial Officer and PDM Focal Person Katherine Akello clarified that nomination forms for all leadership positions within PDM SACCO structures are issued free of charge.
Akello said district authorities had adequately trained local leaders on election guidelines and procedures and urged residents to report any form of extortion or corruption to relevant authorities.
She warned that any official found exploiting residents during the election process would face disciplinary and legal action.
Efforts to obtain a comment from the Kwania District Police Commander were unsuccessful as repeated phone calls went unanswered by press time.
The incident comes amid ongoing efforts by government and district leaders to strengthen transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Parish Development Model, a programme aimed at improving household incomes and transitioning communities into the money economy.
