Mbale RCC Releases Withheld PDM Funds After Resolving Irregularities, Beneficiaries Speak Out

Mbale City, Uganda | Tuesday – In a significant development, Mbale Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Asumin Nasike, has authorized the release of 50 million Ugandan shillings in Parish Development Model (PDM) funds for beneficiaries in Bulweta Ward, Northern City Division. The funds had been withheld for two months due to reported irregularities, including extortion by SACCO leaders and the inclusion of ineligible beneficiaries.  

 
The funds, meant to uplift low-income households under the government’s poverty alleviation program, were delayed after reports emerged that some Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO) leaders were allegedly extorting money from beneficiaries before registering them.  

During a meeting between the RCC, Mbale City Production Officer (who also serves as the PDM focal person), Halima Namutebi, and SACCO members, beneficiaries accused leaders Thomas Maberi and Juma Wetaka of demanding between 10,000/= to 150,000/= from each applicant before allowing them to access the funds.  

"They told us that if we don’t pay, our names will not be submitted. Some of us paid, but others refused," said Sarah Nabwire, one of the affected beneficiaries.  

However, due to insufficient evidence, the SACCO leaders could not be formally charged. Despite this, the RCC directed the PDM focal person to proceed with the fund distribution while warning against further misconduct.  

 
Several beneficiaries shared their experiences with the PDM program, expressing both hope and frustration. John Masaba, a farmer in Bulweta, said,
"This money is supposed to help us start small businesses or improve our farms. But when leaders ask for bribes, it defeats the purpose. I hope this time the funds reach the right people."  Mariam Nambozo, a market vendor, added:  
"I applied six months ago, but my name was removed because I refused to pay the 50,000/= they asked for. If the government is serious about helping the poor, it must punish these corrupt officials." 

Another beneficiary, Robert Wanyama, praised the program but urged better supervision:  
"PDM can change lives if managed well. I know people who used the money to buy seeds and now have good harvests. But if the money goes into the wrong hands, we will remain poor." 

 
To restore confidence in the program, RCC Nasike announced that the current SACCO leadership will be replaced after the funds are disbursed. New leaders will be elected by the beneficiaries themselves to ensure transparency.  

"We cannot allow a few individuals to sabotage a government program meant to uplift the poor," Nasike stated. "After this disbursement, the beneficiaries will choose new leaders who are trustworthy and accountable." 

The RCC’s office will monitor the fund distribution closely to prevent further irregularities. Additionally, sensitization meetings will be held to educate beneficiaries on their rights and the proper use of PDM funds.  

The Parish Development Model, a flagship initiative of the Ugandan government, aims to move 39% of the country’s population from subsistence to the money economy. However, cases of mismanagement and corruption have raised concerns about its effectiveness.  

With this latest intervention, authorities hope to restore trust in the program and ensure that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries—ordinary Ugandans striving for a better livelihood.  
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