8 ARRESTED IN KABALE OVER PDM FUNDS

AMBROSE KWERONDA

KABALE

Ronald Andrew Bakak, the Kabale Deputy Resident District Commissioner, has ordered the arrest of seven parish chiefs and one SACCO leader for the misappropriation and extortion of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in Kabale District.

The suspects identified Herbert Mubangizi, Parish Chief of Kisibo Parish in Kibuga Sub-county,Kakuru Maxison, Daniel Byamukama,John Bosco Rugambwa, Samuel Akanyijuka,Derick Niwagaba ,Fred Mubangizi , Loyce Ahimbisibwe, Chairperson of Karubanda Ward SACCO in Southern Division of Kabale Municipality

These individuals defrauded PDM funds intended for over 36 beneficiaries, falsely reporting to the District Commercial Officer and in the system that the beneficiaries had received the money. The act of fraud was most prevalent in Bigaaga Parish in Butanda Sub-county.

Bakak revealed that Herbert Mubangizi confiscated over 25 SIM cards from PDM beneficiaries after intimidating them into giving him a bribe. Kabale Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Nyakahuma interrogated Mubangizi, asking why and under whose instruction he confiscated the SIM cards. Mubangizi claimed there was no network.

RDC Nyakahuma expressed concern over whether the money is still on the confiscated SIM cards and ordered that Mubangizi be heavily charged, terming the confiscation of SIM cards as an abuse of office.

Bakak also accused Loyce Ahimbisibwe of misusing her role as Chairperson of Karubanda Ward SACCO by extorting between 50,000 to 100,000 shillings from each beneficiary to access the funds. The suspects have been handed over to Kabale Central Police Station, and Bakak stated that those found guilty after investigations will be taken to court for further action.

He also warned that anyone disrupting the implementation of the Parish Development Model program in the district will be arrested.