Gen Damulira warns PDM thieves to surrender before police catch them

What the report says

Police in Uganda have arrested more than 300 people in a nationwide crackdown targeting alleged theft, extortion and other misuse of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, according to Nile Post. The operation is being led by the Criminal Investigations Directorate and Crime Intelligence, working with the Internal Security Organisation, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and district-level officials.

Major-General Christopher Damulira, the Director of Crime Intelligence, warned people suspected of diverting PDM money to surrender to police before they are tracked down. He made the remarks during review meetings for Operation Rejesha Tumaini in eastern Uganda, where he met security officials, local leaders and prosecutors. Nile Post reported that the sessions were held in Busoga, Bugisu, Sebei, Teso and Karamoja, at venues including the Civil Service College, Mt Elgon Hotel and Soroti University.

The article says the crackdown followed President Yoweri Museveni’s directive to the Inspector General of Police to respond to intelligence reports that some officials, including parish chiefs, were undermining the anti-poverty programme. Allegations include ghost beneficiaries, unlawful deductions and extortion from intended recipients. Damulira said the operation should continue until all those who illegally accessed or handled the funds are identified and brought to court. The case matters because the PDM is a major government initiative meant to support poorer households, and misuse of its funds has drawn concern over accountability and delivery.