Chaos Erupts at PDM Meeting in Kabowa as Residents Clash with Local Leaders

Lubaga Division, Kampala – A Parish Development Model (PDM) meeting in Kabowa Parish, Lubaga Division, turned chaotic as residents accused local leaders of favoritism and mismanagement of PDM funds. The gathering, meant to discuss the progress of the poverty alleviation program, quickly descended into shouting matches and nearviolent confrontations.  

 Tensions Over PDM Fund Distribution  
The meeting, chaired by LC2 Chairperson Cissy Makanga, was intended to address how PDM funds were being disbursed to beneficiaries. However, residents disrupted proceedings, claiming that only relatives and friends of leaders were receiving the money.  

 Residents’ Complaints:  
   Funds were being given to ineligible beneficiaries connected to leaders.  
   Many genuine applicants were left out despite meeting requirements.  
   Some accused Makanga of prioritizing NRM mobilizers over ordinary citizens.  

 Defense from Leaders:  
   Ahmed Sserwambala, the Defense Secretary of Sembule Zone, tried to calm tensions but failed.  
   Makanga insisted the meeting was for NRM mobilization first, then PDM discussions—a move that angered residents further.  
 
As arguments escalated, residents began shouting, demanding answers on why PDM funds were not reaching the right people. Some accused Makanga of corruption, leading to physical confrontations.  

 Makanga’s Response:  
   She denied wrongdoing, stating she was doing her job as LC2 Chairperson.  
   She blamed residents for not educating their children, claiming that illiteracy was why some missed out on PDM benefits.  

 NRM Leaders Intervene  
Hajj Abdallah Kitata, the NRM Chairperson for Lubaga Division, was called in to restore order. He warned residents against disrupting meetings, reminding them that such chaos could hurt the ruling party’s reputation.  

 Residents Demand Government Intervention  
Frustrated by the lack of transparency, residents called on:  
 President Museveni to investigate PDM fund mismanagement in Kabowa.  
 Government officials to personally supervise future PDM disbursements.  

Will PDM Funds Reach the Right People?  
The chaotic meeting highlights growing frustrations over PDM implementation, with many fearing that corruption and favoritism are denying them benefits. As tensions remain high, the government faces pressure to ensure fairness or risk losing public trust in the program.