By Walter Okello
Kole, Uganda | Police in Kole District have arrested Tom Okello, the chairperson of Ayamo PDM SACCO in Okwerodot Subcounty, following serious accusations of extorting money from beneficiaries and demanding sexual favours in exchange for access to Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
The arrest occurred on March 23, 2026, during a meeting convened at the Kole District headquarters by Kole North MP Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti. Members of the Ayamo PDM SACCO reportedly approached the MP with complaints against Okello, prompting immediate action.
According to the accusers, Okello collected beneficiaries’ phones and demanded their mobile money PINs (secret numbers). He allegedly extorted sums ranging from UGX 150,000 to UGX 200,000 from group members as a precondition for accessing the government-provided PDM funds, intended to alleviate poverty.
Additional allegations include Okello abusing his position by appointing a relative as the SACCO secretary without holding any formal meeting to facilitate unchecked access to funds. Several female members, particularly young women, accused him of demanding sexual favours in return for approving their access to the PDM money.
Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Badru Kyanjo, after hearing the complaints, ordered Okello’s immediate arrest. He was taken to Kole Central Police Station, where group members formally lodged their complaints to initiate investigations.
In his address at the meeting, Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti expressed deep concern over the exploitation. He revealed that he had conducted his own preliminary investigation after receiving the complaints and confirmed Okello’s alleged misuse of authority to extort money. “It’s really painful to hear an old woman crying that they are demanding a lump sum from her to access the PDM SACCO, yet she doesn’t have any money, and the government is offering to help them get out of poverty,” Opio stated.
He added that he had already reported the matter to the Inspectorate of Government (IGG) for further investigation, noting broader issues plaguing the PDM program that require district leaders’ attention.
Deputy RDC Badru Kyanjo condemned the corruption, stating it was “sad” that some SACCO chairpersons were extorting money from vulnerable members while invoking the names of top leaders.
He praised MP Opio Acuti for his vigilance and called for a comprehensive list of all PDM beneficiaries in Kole, both those who have received funds and those still awaiting to ensure proper oversight and handling.
Geoffrey Okidi, the Sub-county Chief of Okwerodot, highlighted ongoing complaints about PDM funds in his area. He noted that his office frequently deals with “petty issues” stemming from corrupt chairpersons who attempt to swindle money upon disbursement and refuse to disclose beneficiary names when questioned.
Affected members of Ayamo PDM SACCO voiced their desperation, explaining that some had paid the demanded amounts to access the funds. They expressed shock over Okello collecting their phones and PINs, claiming he “chopped” (stole) portions of their money and disbursed less than entitled.
In response to the allegations, Okello denied personal involvement, claiming that impostors were extorting money using his name. “I have never received any money from Ayamo PDM SACCO members, but some people are just extorting money in my name,” he said.
