Lira, Uganda – The Grade I Magistrate Court in Lira City has on 13th December 2024 remanded a 45 year old Sarah Atim, the Chairperson of Ipito Aweno PDM SACCO, to Lira Central prison until 23rd December 2024 following allegations of embezzling Parish Development Model (PDM) funds amounting to UGX 1 million.
Judge Alison Nasasira, after hearing the case, found that Atim stole the money in the name of Akullu Charity, which violates Articles 230 and 244 of the Ugandan Constitution.
Atim exploited Akullu Charity’s hospitalization to fraudulently withdraw UGX 1 million from Wendi’s account by manipulating her into revealing her mobile money SIM card details, prompting Akullu to report the theft to police on December 10, 2024.
Atim, who has been previously arrested on similar charges, was asked to respond to the accusations during the court proceedings.
However, she vehemently denied the charges, claiming no involvement in the alleged theft.
Her refusal to acknowledge the charges led to her immediate remand, as the court deemed her actions to be in violation of the law.
This latest arrest adds to a troubling pattern of behaviour for Atim, who has faced legal troubles earlier this year.
In May 2024, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), arrested Atim for similar offenses.
She was accused of obtaining money by false pretense from the chairpersons of various PDM groups, under the false claim that she was in charge of registering these groups for the program.
These funds were allegedly diverted for personal gain, further compounding her criminal record.
The PDM, a government initiative aimed at eradicating poverty and boosting local development, has been a major focus of the Ugandan government.
However, incidents like this have raised concerns about the misuse of funds meant for the most vulnerable members of society.
Atim’s alleged actions have undermined the integrity of the PDM program, which is intended to improve the livelihoods of the rural poor.
Atim’s role as the Chairperson of the Ipito Aweno PDM SACCO in Lira City has placed her at the center of the investigation.
She is accused of exploiting her position to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals seeking to benefit from the PDM program, ultimately diverting money intended for community development projects.
Atim will remain in custody until her next court hearing on 23rd December 2024, where further legal proceedings will determine the outcome of the case.
Recently, on December 10, 2024, a shocking exposé at a Parish Development Model (PDM) Baraza in Awori Parish in Alebtong District revealed rampant extortion.
Over 30 women and 10 men testified about being coerced into paying bribes (50,000-200,000 UGX) to access PDM funds.
Seven suspects have been arrested. The government vows to root out corruption and ensure accountability.
