Harriet Ntabazi the Minister of State for Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives has warned corrupt Iganga district officials to make sure they do not dare to touch the Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
While launching PDM in Iganga district, Ntabazi said Thursday that government will show no mercy to the corrupt.
“District officials and the professionals please don’t swarm around the PDM funds; if anyone touches on the money, they willdecisively be dealt with,” she said.
“This program is designed to benefit the 39% of the people at the parish level who cannot afford to save money for the future use. We are not expecting any government officials and professionals to benefit and recieve this fund,” the Minister added.
“If we find out that you have received this money, you shall be arrested,” she warned.
The Minister said the program was being monitored at all levels.
“Cabinet Ministries have been assigned to keep their eyes on this program,” she said.
Iganga District NRM chairman, Hajji Abubaker Walubi called for transparency among executives of the beneficiary interprise groups.
Wandera Sadala, the Resident District Commissioner of Iganga asked beneficiaries to report to his office any corrupt officials including parish chiefs.
“No one should deduct a penny from you. You are the ones to pay back this money,” he explained.
Sadala said his office had registered many complaints against parish chiefs and politicians demanding for registration fees and commission from the beneficiaries of PDM.
He said such officials shall be handled by the iron hand of the law.
Iganga district recieved Shs 3.3b for PDM and 880 enterprise groups from the 40 parishes have been registered to benefit from the program.
