The State House Anti-Corruption Unit working with the Criminal Investigations Department of Kitgum Police have arraigned Kitgum DLG officials; Mr. Musisi Joel- Chief Administrative Officer, Omony Stephen Lakwonyero- Principal Assistant Secretary and Aryemo Agnes- Production Officer before the Anti-Corruption Court.
The accuseds and others still at large have been charged with the diversion of over UGX526,370,000 funds that were meant for the implementation of the Parish Development Model in the district. In August 2022, the accuseds allegedly used the money for other activities within the district that were not related to PDM.
The activities included, training of the council and sub county members, facilitation of the district service commission in recruiting technical staff in the district like the PAS, CDO, parish chiefs among others.
They further facilitated district service commission in conducting interviews and hiring tents for the interviews among others which were not related to what the money was meant for.
It should be remembered that in March this year, the State House Anti-corruption Unit led by Brig Gen Henry Isoke pitched camp in Acholi sub region following a directive from H.E President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to the Unit, to investigate allegations of extortion and mismanagement of funds meant for the Parish Development Model (PDM) in the region. During the community meetings, the Wanainchi raised varying concerns about how the fund was being managed.
These included; Unclear charges by officials purportedly to cover photocopying and other administrative expenses, Delays in release of funds & illegal charges in the creation of SACCO accounts, Nepotism, and Forced commitments to give a percentage of the money to PDM Officials before being considered for registration.
So far, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit has arrested 14 government officials in the Acholi sub region for mismanaging PDM Funds in the districts of Nwoya, Ngora, Gulu, and Kitgum. Out of the 14, four have been charged in court while others have files still under investigation.
The Parish Development Model was launched by H.E President Yoweri Museveni in February 2022 as one of the initiatives to uplift those in subsistence economy to join the money economy at the Parish level.
The Ministry of Finance has so far released UGX 264B for PDM activities and so far 8,931 parishes have received money and are already implementing the program. The mismanagement of these funds, if not addressed will hinder the intended socio-economic transformation.
