Alebtong, Uganda | The Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Alebtong, Mathias Lutwama, has commended residents of OMEE Parish in Amugu Subcounty for embracing government development programmes, while warning against the misuse of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
During a field monitoring and evaluation visit on Wednesday, February 11, 2025, Lutwama, accompanied by Assistant RDC Okello Jimmy, highlighted agriculture and education as key pillars driving transformation in the area.
Lutwama noted that OMEE Parish, with a population of about 41,919 people, had shown strong commitment to agricultural modernisation.
He attributed this progress to the government farming school in Etang Village, which equips farmers with scientific farming skills to improve productivity and household incomes.
He said that the community had responded positively to government programmes and that the farming school was playing a major role in improving livelihoods through modern agriculture.
The Deputy RDC also praised government efforts in strengthening education, citing Abololil Primary School and Amugu Qoran Primary School as key institutions benefiting from state support.
He added that the schools were improving access to education and ensuring that learners in the parish were not left behind.
However, Lutwama expressed concern over irregularities in the management of PDM funds, which have so far benefited 318 households in the parish.
He explained that some officials in the parish SACCO had allegedly shortchanged beneficiaries during the recent disbursement exercise.
Instead of receiving the approved UGX 1 million plus UGX 4,000 withdrawal charges, beneficiaries reportedly received only UGX 972,000.
He warned that the practice is unacceptable and amounted to theft of public resources meant to uplift the poor.
Lutwama further said that the actions contravened presidential directives on the implementation of the PDM and undermined the National Resistance Movement (NRM) manifesto for 2026–2031, which prioritises poverty eradication and inclusive development.
He reaffirmed that the government remains committed to accountability and transparency in public service delivery and would not tolerate individuals who sabotage government programmes for personal gain.
Following investigations, suspects linked to the alleged mismanagement were arrested and are currently in police custody.
The case was registered under reference number 10/11/02/2026 and charged as theft.
Lutwama urged residents to remain vigilant and to report any cases of corruption or misuse of public funds to relevant authorities.
