By Norbert Mao
Police in Lira City have arrested three executive members of Blue Corner Ward PDM SACCO in Lira City West Division over allegations of fraudulently receiving the Parish Development Model, PDM funds
According to North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the suspects allegedly registered beneficiaries and used National Identity Cards belonging to other individuals to fraudulently access PDM funds.
The suspects have been identified as Oludi Richard, the chairperson; Nankabirwa Ruth, the secretary; and Tino Linda Auma, a committee member accused of using another person’s National ID to obtain one million shillings under the Programme.
Police say the arrests followed numerous complaints from beneficiaries reported to the Resident City Commissioner’s office on June 23rd.
A team led by the Division Police Commander apprehended the suspects, who are now detained at Lira City West Division Headquarters as investigations continue.
PDM is a Ugandan government strategy to fight poverty by bringing financial services and development support directly to the smallest local level (the parish). Its main goal is to help poor households move from just surviving, to earning regular money through farming and small businesses.
