PDM Billions Under Watch: Kumumanya Orders Tough Action Against Corrupt Parish Chiefs, Town Agents

What the report says

Watchdog Uganda reports that Ben Kumumanya, the Permanent Secretary at Uganda’s Ministry of Local Government, has instructed district, city and municipal authorities to move more aggressively against Parish Chiefs, Town Agents and other public officers accused of corruption, bribery or abuse of office. The directive, dated 13 July 2026, was addressed to Town Clerks, City Town Clerks and accounting officers, requiring them to initiate disciplinary processes and, where the law allows, remove implicated staff from service.

According to the report, the order is tied closely to the Parish Development Model, a major government programme intended to move households from subsistence activity into the cash economy. Parish-level officials are central to that system because they help verify beneficiaries, coordinate local implementation and support PDM-related structures such as SACCOs. Misconduct at that level can therefore affect access to public funds and weaken trust in government programmes.

Watchdog Uganda says Kumumanya cited multiple reports of malpractice involving Parish Chiefs, including cases where some officials had allegedly been reported, arrested and charged in court. The directive also requires local governments to submit monthly updates on disciplinary matters, actions taken and the progress of court cases involving public officers accused of criminal conduct, beginning with cases handled in August 2026.

The report notes that the communication was copied to senior government offices, including ministers, public service bodies, Chief Administrative Officers and City Town Clerks. The practical impact will depend on whether local authorities investigate allegations promptly, follow due process and enforce sanctions where wrongdoing is established.