The Kabarole district councilors have expressed concern over the rampant corruption in the Parish Development Model [PDM]funds disbursement process by Parish chairpersons and SAACO Chairpersons.
Reportedly, One must use money to benefit from PDM, the development approach conceived under the third development plan NDPIII and prescribed in the NRM manifesto 2021-26
John Kasweta Ruvuuma of Hakibaale in Kabarole district, says 90% of the PDM groups that received the money paid some kickbacks in form of money to some parish chiefs and SAACO chairpersons. He vows to arrest them.
Geoffrey Kadabada hailing from Harugongo Kabarole district, says money was given to the rich instead of the active poor as the program guidelines states. He noted that the whole program thus loses meaning due to the fact that the primary target audience finds it hard to benefit.
Beneficiaries asked to give Kickback
Murungi Herbert of Kibasi revealed to us that it is unfortunate many people are forced to pay around 200,000sh and 300,000sh so as to be considered to benefit.
He wonders why innocent citizens pay the money to be included in the public finances, some thing he said was controversial to the seven goals of the PDM.
”If some one doesn’t have the required sum inform of Kickback, they have to first borrow to be in position to acquire the said free funds of PDM.” He lamented
Maureen Komuhimbo, says many people suffer a lot in the bank so as to open an account and others are forced to pay some bribe to quicken the process.
For the last one month, individuals from different parishes in Kabarole and Fort Portal have been seen queuing at banks with their identity documents so as to open accounts, from where they can access the said PDM money.
Rwabuhinga attributes the vice to impatience
During the district council sitting held at Kitumba last week, Richard Rwabuhinga the District Chairperson attributed the vice to beneficiaries who are impatient and volunteer to give a bribe to the officers.
Rwabuhinga, tasked beneficiaries to patiently wait for the rightful acquisition of the funds, but implored them to report those who ask for bries.
The RDC Kabarole, Mr. Festus Bandeeba, noted that the District security is following up the matter so as to have the culprits arrested.
Present was Kagwera Steven the Burahya County MP says the corruption in PDM is not with evidence as bribery is done after an agreement with few involved persons.
