Jimmy Emmanuel | Tayari News
KABALE – Authorities in Kabale District have arrested four Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO leaders and immediately dissolved six PDM SACCO committees on allegations of mismanagement and theft of funds intended to get people out of poverty.
The operation targeting suspected embezzlement of PDM funds was conducted in Rubaya and Kahungye sub-counties. Officials said the alleged corruption undermined the government’s flagship poverty eradication program championed by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. The district security chiefs led the operation.
The Deputy Resident District Commissioner, Michael Kyakashari, said the operation followed several complaints from residents accusing some SACCO leaders of corruption and mismanagement in implementing the Parish Development Model program.
In Rubaya Sub-county, four suspects were arrested and detained after being accused of stealing money, demanding illegal charges from beneficiaries, and diverting funds meant for PDM members. Those arrested include Enock Ntegyera, Godwin Turyahikayo, Charles Monday, and Joventa Tusasibwe, all residents of Kitooma and Musamba parishes.
Residents accused the suspects of demanding unauthorised payments and transferring money to individuals who are not residents of the parish, including one person reportedly living in South Africa and another in Kampala.
They were also accused of stealing money belonging to Annah Turyashemererwa after allegedly using a phone registered in her name to withdraw the funds. One of the residents confirmed that Turyashemererwa never received the money officials claim she had been paid.
One of the suspects, Godwin Turyahikayo, attempted to defend himself, but residents insisted he had repeatedly been involved in stealing funds meant for beneficiaries.
During the meeting, Deputy RDC Michael Kyakashari asked committee member Joventa Tusasibwe to explain the disappearance of group funds. However, his explanation was not convincing, prompting officials to order the arrest of those implicated.
The RDC, Godfrey Katamba, directed that Godwin Turyahikayo be removed from his position as SACCO chairman and that residents elect a new chairperson immediately.
When officials proceeded to Kahungye Sub-county, they found that some suspected committee members had fled. Residents accused the leaders of gross mismanagement and demanded that the entire leadership be replaced. Kyakashari then ordered the arrest of all committee members who fled to escape arrest.
He added that the suspects would not be released on police bond until investigations are completed, in line with directives issued by President Yoweri Museveni to protect PDM funds.