Why did the State House arrest Lira RDC Lillian Eyal?

The State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SH-ACU), in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies, has arrested the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Lira Lillian Eyal, over allegations related to the misuse of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.

The arrest follows complaints raised by over 50 members of the Tetyang PDM SACCO during a baraza held by officials from the Ministry of Economic Monitoring in Lira City.

The beneficiaries alleged that they were forced to use part of their PDM funds to purchase agricultural inputs, including seedlings, fertilisers, and sprayers, which they had not requested or needed.

According to the complaints, the beneficiaries were invited to a PDM launch presided over by the Assistant RDC, Okello Richard, and the District PDM Focal Person, Okello Michael. 

A company dealing in agricultural inputs was also present at the launch.

The beneficiaries further alleged that their mobile phones were confiscated by the SACCO Secretary, Moro Dickens, and their shs1 million PDM funds were withdrawn. 

Between shs400,000 and shs840,000 was reportedly deducted from each beneficiary to pay for the agricultural inputs, with the remaining balance given to them in cash.

The beneficiaries said they protested the manner in which their money was being used but were allegedly told to accept the arrangement or risk losing their PDM funds and having their names removed from the system.

They further reported that some of the seeds supplied to them were planted out of season and subsequently withered, resulting in losses.

Following preliminary investigations and the information gathered, pinned RDC Eyal, Assistant RDC, and the District PDM Focal Person (Production Officer) in the scandal. 

SH-ACU moved on and arrested them to facilitate further investigations into the alleged offences.

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Investigations are ongoing, and all those who participated in the alleged scheme will be arrested, said the State House anti-corruption agency.