Over 550 arrested over PDM funds theft

What the report says

Police in Uganda have arrested 552 people in a nationwide operation over the alleged theft, embezzlement and diversion of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds, according to The Observer. Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke said 429 of those detained have already been taken to court as investigators continue pursuing additional suspects. The crackdown has been running for two months and, police said, is expected to expand to more districts.

Rusoke told journalists at police headquarters in Naguru, Kampala, that the action followed presidential directives to investigate misuse of the programme’s money. Police said the current sweep has covered 12 regional jurisdictions, including areas in Karamoja, Teso, Bugisu, Sebei, Bukedi and Busoga, as well as parts of Buganda such as Luwero and Wakiso. The reported charges include theft, embezzlement, abuse of office, forgery, false pretence, conspiracy to defraud, extortion and cheating.

According to the report, SACCO leaders make up the largest group of suspects, followed by parish chiefs, Parish Development Committee leaders, local council representatives, teachers and district commercial officers. Police said some officials allegedly demanded bribes from beneficiaries before processing applications or releasing funds. The PDM, launched in 2022, is meant to help households move from subsistence farming into the money economy through revolving parish-level funds, but it has faced repeated accountability concerns since rollout.