UGANDA, Kampala | Real Muloodi News | During the NRM Parliamentary Caucus Retreat in Kyankwanzi, Brig. Gen. Henry Isoke, the Head of the Anti-Corruption Unit, provided an update on the investigations into the implementation of the Parish Development Model (PDM) in the Acholi Sub-Region, specifically Greater Gulu.
This update was given in response to a directive from President H.E. to address the issues surrounding the PDM.
Brig. Gen. Isoke disclosed that a total of 16 local government officials have been arrested thus far. Among them, six have already been brought before the courts, while investigations are ongoing for the remaining individuals.
Additionally, a special audit has been initiated by the Anti-Corruption Unit to examine the PDM funds received by Gulu City.
To prevent and tackle PDM-related issues in the future, Brig. Gen. Isoke stressed the need for a robust monitoring system.
This system would help detect and address problems at an early stage, averting further complications.
Furthermore, he recommended that the guidelines for implementing the PDM be streamlined, providing clearer directions to those involved in the program.
The Anti-Corruption Court recently charged two Kitgum officials, Morish Atwom (Commercial Officer) and Denish Ocira (Agricultural Officer), for their alleged involvement in diverting funds amounting to over UGX 500 million that was intended for the Poverty-Targeted Dairy Market Chain Project (PDM).
The recently charged officials join the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and others who were previously charged in connection with the same case.
According to the Anti-Corruption Court Uganda, the two Kitgum officials stand accused of diverting funds that were allocated for the PDM project.
Also in Gulu City, a Commercial Officer Nickson Atemo Komakech was remanded to Gulu Main Prison until May 25, 2023, over misuse of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
Atemo was accused of giving false information about how the PDM funds had been used.
The prosecution alleged that Atemo “gave false information that he had conducted training for town agents, SACCO leaders, and PDM trainers in 32 wards of Gulu City, whereas he had not, yet he had received funds for the said activities.”
He had received the funds for the said activities, yet he had not carried out any training. As a result, the court has remanded him to prison.
The arrest and prosecution of Atemo followed a directive by President Museveni to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit to carry out investigations of allegations of abuse of funds by district and technical staff in the city and the districts in the Acholi Sub-region.
In March, Brig. Henry Isoke, the head of the anti-corruption unit, embarked on a fact-finding mission in the Acholi Sub-region.
During the mission, Brig. Isoke met with various district and Gulu City leaders, market vendors, and disabled persons, among others.
Many issues regarding the money were raised in the meeting. The arrest and prosecution of Atemo are part of a wider effort to address the misuse of PDM funds in the region.
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UPDATE: Kitgum Officials Charged with Diverting Funds Meant for PDM
Gulu City Commercial Officer Jailed Over Misuse of PDM Funds
