Over 550 Arrested in PDM Funds Theft Crackdown - Police

What the report says

Police in Uganda say a nationwide crackdown on alleged theft and misuse of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds has led to 552 arrests, with 499 suspects already taken to court. The operation began on August 4, 2026, and involves police working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Resident City Commissioners and the courts.

According to the report from Nile Post, the cases span 12 police regional jurisdictions, including areas in Teso, Sebei, Bukedi, Karamoja and parts of Buganda such as Luweero. Those arrested include people in positions of local responsibility and public administration, among them SACCO leaders, parish chiefs, local council leaders, teachers and district commercial officers.

Police said the charges vary depending on the allegations and include theft, forgery, embezzlement, obtaining money by false pretence, conspiracy to defraud and cheating. The force said 231 SACCO leaders, 81 parish chiefs, 23 local council leaders, 23 teachers and five district commercial officers are among those detained.

The PDM is a government programme intended to help households move into the money economy through parish-level financing for income-generating activities. The police warning suggests the operation will continue to other parts of the country, and officials have urged anyone who took money unlawfully to return it. The crackdown matters because alleged diversion of PDM funds can block intended beneficiaries from accessing capital for farming and small business projects.