18 Obongi Parish Chiefs Interdicted Over Alleged Shs163m PDM Fraud

What the report says

At least 18 parish chiefs in Obongi District have been interdicted over allegations tied to misuse of Shs163 million under Uganda’s Parish Development Model (PDM), according to Nile Post. The officers are accused of entering 163 ghost and otherwise ineligible beneficiaries on PDM beneficiary lists, raising questions about how funds meant for household income and poverty reduction were handled.

The district chief administrative officer, Benson Otim Humphrey, said the interdiction letters were issued on October 30, 2026, and began reaching the affected staff on November 3. Those listed include two officials who had been serving as acting senior assistant chief administrative officers in Itula and Aliba sub-counties. Otim said the step followed reports from security agencies, including the Office of the Resident District Commissioner, and that the matter will proceed through established administrative and legal channels.

Obongi District has 28 parishes and has received more than Shs11.4 billion under the government’s poverty-alleviation programme since the scheme began, the report said. Otim stressed that interdiction is not a final finding of guilt and that the officers will be allowed to respond through disciplinary processes.

District leaders warned that the case could affect service delivery if it drags on. Deputy RDC Paul Abaho said irregularities were found during routine monitoring, while LC5 chairperson Hajji Abibu Buga Khemis urged a quick resolution. More broadly, the case highlights continued scrutiny of PDM implementation, a flagship government programme designed to support small-scale livelihoods and wealth creation.