Kayunga Chairman Urges PDM Funds Use to Woo Opposition Supporters

Kayunga District Chairman Andrew Muwonge has proposed a strategic use of funds allocated under the Parish Development Model (PDM). During an orientation for new PDM SACCO executive committee members, Muwonge encouraged them to leverage the program’s financial resources as a tool to draw in supporters of opposition parties to the National Resistance Movement (NRM).

Muwonge suggested that while NRM loyalists are deserving of the PDM funds, the money could also serve as an “bait” to win over critics of President Museveni and the NRM, particularly those from the National Unity Platform (NUP). He claimed that some opposition members who have already benefited from the PDM program have since become quieter and are now praising the ruling party.

His remarks follow the recent general election where the NUP secured a majority of the elective positions in Kayunga District. Muwonge also highlighted the importance of facilitating PDM SACCO chairpersons who handle significant funds without remuneration, warning that this could expose them to corruption. He stressed that a lack of facilitation should not be an excuse for soliciting bribes.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the low recovery rate of PDM funds in the district. Dr. Charles Iga, the Kayunga District Production Officer, noted that only Shs70 million has been recovered out of the Shs25 billion disbursed. He attributed this partly to the closure of SACCO accounts and cautioned SACCO chairpersons against fraudulent practices, such as using the National Identification Numbers (NINs) of deceased individuals to access PDM funds.

Dr. Iga further pointed out challenges like corruption in beneficiary selection and political interference, which are hindering the effective implementation of the PDM program, launched in Kayunga in December 2022.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/kayunga-chairman-asks-leaders-to-use-pdm-funds-to-attract-opposition-supporters-5592598