Lamwo | A Parish Development Model (PDM) official in Lamwo district is currently under investigation following allegations of embezzling public funds through the use of ghost names and fraudulent registration practices.
According to the Lamwo Resident District Commissioner (RDC), William Komakech, the district leadership received multiple complaints from residents who claimed they were asked to pay bribes in order to access funds that were meant to be disbursed freely under the PDM program.
The official, stationed at the sub-county level, allegedly demanded payments from intended beneficiaries under the pretense of administrative requirements.
“The office received several reports from community members, particularly beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model, alleging that they had to part with money before they could be registered to receive the funds,” said RDC Komakech.
“Upon investigation, we discovered a well-coordinated scheme where ghost names were added to the beneficiary lists, and the money was diverted.”
So far, more than shs8 million has been recovered from individuals involved in the registration process. The funds have since been returned to the official PDM account, and the district is working closely with security and anti-corruption agencies to track down all individuals implicated in the fraud.
The PDM initiative, launched by the Ugandan government in 2021, aims to eradicate poverty by delivering financial and technical support directly to households at the parish level, the lowest administrative unit in the country. The program prioritizes vulnerable populations, including smallholder farmers, women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
“This kind of abuse not only undermines government efforts to improve livelihoods but also erodes public trust in service delivery mechanisms,” Komakech added. “We will not rest until all those responsible are brought to justice.”
Investigations are ongoing, and the RDC has called on whistleblowers and community members to come forward with additional information that could aid in holding the perpetrators accountable.
Local leaders have also been urged to monitor PDM implementation more closely and ensure transparency in the beneficiary selection process.
If found guilty, the implicated official whose name has been withheld over fear of jeopardizing the investigation, could face charges related to abuse of office, embezzlement, and fraud under Uganda’s Anti-Corruption Act.
As the probe continues, authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding public funds and ensuring that all intended recipients receive their rightful allocations under the PDM framework.
Residents in the affected parishes expressed frustration, betrayal, and anger over the misuse of a program designed to uplift them economically. Susan Aciro, a 36-year-old single mother and farmer in Paloga sub-county, said she was turned away twice despite being eligible.
“They told me my name was not on the list, yet I had submitted all my documents,” Aciro recounted. “Later, someone approached me saying if I paid shs50,000, I would be considered. I didn’t have the money, so I lost the chance. Now I hear the names were fake. It’s heartbreaking.”
John Obwoya, a local youth leader, expressed concern over how such misconduct could sabotage public trust in government initiatives.
“People are beginning to doubt whether these programs are real or just another way for officials to enrich themselves,” Obwoya said. “The youth were excited about the PDM as a chance to start small businesses, but now that hope is fading.”
Mary Laker, an elder and women’s group chairperson, said she tried to raise the issue at a local council meeting but was told to stay quiet. “I was told I was just being political,” she said. “Now the truth is out, and I want those who stole from the poor to be punished.”
Government response and ongoing investigation
RDC Komakech confirmed that several suspects are under close watch, and more arrests are expected as the investigation deepens. “This is a betrayal of public trust,” he emphasized. “We will not protect anyone found culpable. Our goal is to restore integrity in the PDM implementation and ensure every rightful beneficiary gets their due support.”
The PDM, launched by the Ugandan government in 2021, was designed to combat poverty by directly empowering households at the parish level through revolving funds and skills support. Each parish is allocated shs100 million annually for this purpose.
As investigations continue, district officials are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any irregularities through established whistleblower channels. “We encourage more victims to speak out,” said Komakech. “Your voices are helping us clean up the system.”
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