At least three members of the Nyarurambi Parish Development (PDM) Sacco committee, including the chairman of Nyarurambi Ward, Rubanda Town Council, have been arrested for allegedly embezzling Shs500,000 meant for the group’s activities.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Habasa Julius, the secretary; Twinomuwhezi Godfrey, the chairman, and Doris, the treasurer. According to Hillary Bindeba, the Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Rubanda District, the arrests followed complaints from Sacco members who accused the trio of misusing funds without their knowledge.
Bindeba stated that the suspects failed to account for the missing funds and have been handed over to Rubanda Police Station, pending further investigation. He confirmed that police are preparing their case files for further legal action.
Bindeba also warned that he will be conducting visits to all Saccos in the district to ensure financial accountability. He vowed to take firm action against anyone found misusing PDM funds, particularly Sacco chairpersons.
Last month, State Minister of Finance, Henry Musasizi, announced that 10 Parish Chiefs in Rubanda District would lose their government positions after being implicated in corrupt activities related to the PDM program.
“We have completed the investigations, and 10 of the Parish Chiefs will be dismissed due to their involvement in PDM corruption,” Musasizi stated.
He further emphasized President Museveni’s unwavering stance on combating corruption within the PDM program, saying, “There will be no mercy for anyone who seeks to sabotage our efforts to improve the lives of the people we serve.”
The Parish Development Model was launched by President Museveni in February 2022 in Kibuku District, with the parish as the lowest administrative and operational unit. The program aims to deliver services directly to the people and drive local economic development.
