Parish Chief, PDM Committee Members Arrested Over Misappropriation in Ngora

What the report says

Security officials in Ngora District have arrested a parish chief and several Parish Development Model (PDM) committee members over allegations that public money meant for vulnerable residents was diverted. The case, reported by Nile Post, centers on complaints from people in Kokong Parish in Agirigiroi Sub-county about the handling of poverty-alleviation funds, including support intended for persons living with disabilities.

Ngora Deputy Resident District Commissioner Jacinta Ayo said preliminary findings suggested the parish chief paid himself Shs5 million from funds allocated to a person with a disability. She also said committee members who approved the payment were taken into custody for allegedly facilitating the transaction. Other arrests were linked to claims that some individuals demanded money from villagers while promising help with accessing PDM support, but beneficiaries still did not receive the full Shs1 million they were supposed to get.

The arrests come amid broader government concern about abuse of PDM and similar programmes designed to improve household incomes in rural areas. Brigadier General Stephen Oluka, who is involved in monitoring government programmes, said officials have repeatedly encountered cases of fraud and beneficiary manipulation, including in cattle compensation and restocking schemes. He said authorities plan to step up oversight and pursue those found to be undermining the programmes.

The report reflects growing pressure on local implementers to account for public funds. It also highlights ongoing tensions in rural service delivery, where residents depend on such programmes for livelihoods while officials face scrutiny over alleged corruption and mismanagement.