Police Investigate PDM Abuse in Kasese, Kiryandongo, Entebbe

The government has opened investigations following complaints raised by citizens during the recently concluded NRM presidential campaign engagements in Kasese, Kiryandongo and Entebbe, over alleged extortion and abuse of the Parish Development Model.

The inquiries are being led by SSP Byaruhanga Mworozi, the Special Presidential Assistant on Police Affairs, in coordination with the Territorial Police.

While in Kasese District on 4th December 2025 during the presidential campaign tour, three wananchi, including a female councillor, Masika Joy of Kamayiba Ward, Central Division, reported to Yoweri Kaguta Museveni alleged abuse of the PDM programme within Kasese Municipality.

Subsequent investigations established that nine enterprise groups had been defrauded. Two suspects, Biira Teopista and Biira Christine, were arrested and charged with obtaining money by false pretence under Kasese CRB 872/2025.

The suspects first appeared before the Grade One Magistrate’s Court on 6th January 2026 and were remanded until 10th February 2026. They have since been released on court bail.

In a related case under Kasese CRB 878/2025, Wameyo Paul and Mugisha John also appeared before the same court on 6th January 2026. Investigations into additional related case files are ongoing.

In Kiryandongo District, similar concerns were raised on 10th December 2025 regarding mismanagement and extortion linked to the PDM programme. A follow-up engagement on 12th December 2025 between SSP Byaruhanga, Territorial Police and complainants from Panyadoli Sub-county established that 14 cases were already under active investigation and prosecution.

Of these, two cases have been concluded, leading to the conviction of six individuals: Akello Esther, Abalo Margaret, Bugumirwa Patrick, Aluku Joel, Amusolo Eunice and Mukwana Jacob. Hearings for the remaining cases are ongoing before the courts.

In Entebbe, during the presidential campaign programme on 5th January 2026, Nakasoma Tereza, also known as Nabakyala of Namulanda, reported that 14 beneficiaries in her enterprise group had been extorted during registration by officials of the Namulanda PDM SACCO.

Investigations led to the arrest of Kalega Joseph and Kibowa Henry on 7th January 2026. They were charged with 15 counts of obtaining money by false pretence under Kajjansi CRB 22/2026. The suspects appeared before the Kajjansi Grade One Magistrate’s Court on 11th February 2026 and were remanded. The case is scheduled to return to court for further hearing on 20th April 2026.

Authorities say publicising arrests and court proceedings is part of ongoing government efforts to safeguard the integrity of the Parish Development Model. The move is intended to expose individuals exploiting wananchi, encourage whistleblowers to come forward, and deter the misuse of funds meant for household transformation.

The government has reiterated that access to PDM support is free of charge, and no official is authorised to solicit money from citizens for registration or participation in the programme.

Members of the public are encouraged to report such cases to the relevant authorities. Investigative, prosecutorial and judicial bodies have also been urged to expedite the handling of these cases to ensure justice is served, restore public confidence, and enable the Parish Development Model to achieve its goal of transitioning households from subsistence to participation in the money economy.