Masaka Residents Allege PDM Extortion and Corruption

Residents in Kakunyu parish, Bukoto sub-county, Masaka district, have voiced serious allegations of extortion and corruption surrounding the Parish Development Model (PDM). During a community meeting led by the State Minister for Local Government, Justine Nameere Nsubuga, locals claimed that some leaders managing the program’s Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies (Saccos) are demanding money from individuals seeking to benefit from the PDM.

The concerns extend to the selection process of beneficiaries. Reports presented at the baraza indicated that irregularities have led to multiple members from the same household being listed as recipients of the PDM funds. This practice, alongside alleged bribery, undermines the program’s core objective of poverty reduction.

Minister Nameere urged the Sacco leaders to adhere strictly to PDM guidelines, emphasizing the need for transparency, fairness, and the elimination of any form of extortion or favoritism. She encouraged community members to actively report any corrupt practices or irregularities they witness, stressing that public vigilance is crucial for accountability.

These allegations come at a time when President Yoweri Museveni has tasked cabinet ministers to personally address corruption within the PDM in their constituencies. The President has warned that corruption in a minister’s area of representation will be viewed as a personal failure.

The PDM, launched in 2022, aims to boost household incomes in rural areas by providing access to a revolving fund, with eligible households potentially receiving up to Shs 1 million to start income-generating activities. However, like other government poverty-alleviation initiatives, it has been plagued by persistent claims of mismanagement and corruption, raising doubts about the effectiveness of fund distribution.

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