By Solomon Hamala
IGANGA
Three Parish Development Model (PDM) SAACO leaders have been charged and remanded to Iganga Central Prison on charges of extorting PDM beneficiaries.
The three PDM SAACO leaders were rounded up during an operation mounted by the State House Anti Corruption Unit in collaboration with Namutumba police on Friday, 28th June, 2024.
The trio; James Jemere, the LC one chairman Kibigo village, Bugobi sub county Namutumba district, Annet Namabwe the publicity secretary and Gideon Ndinywa the chairperson Kibigo parish development model SAACO were arrested following numerous complaints from beneficiaries related to extortion of funds.
Prosecution led by the Resident State Attorney Iganga, Claire Kemigisha alleged that the three accused persons between July 2023 and April this year extorted shillings 20,000 from each of the 434 beneficiaries of Kibigo SAACO group on pretext of opening up bank accounts for them.
The three all denied the charges and were remanded to Iganga central prison till July 10 when the case will again come up for mention.
One of the suspects; Annet Namambwe before being sent on remand accused some members of simply tarnishing their image by framing charges against the leaders.
“Some of the beneficiaries had earlier shown interest in becoming leaders of the SAACO groups but were denied that chance that’s why they are coming up with all sorts of allegations,” she said.
Grade One Magistrate, Ivan Busulwa denied the three bail saying they are likely to interfere with investigations into the matter.
“Much as its your right to be granted bail, it would be unfair to do it now since investigations are at an initial stage,” he said.
The senior legal officer State House Anti Corruption Unit, Wyclif Mukama said five other suspects are still on the run for involvement in extortion of parish development model funds in Namutumba district.
Mukama said the chieftaincy of military intelligence is hunting for an LC 3 chairman of Nangonde sub county, Wycleaf Idhube for allegedly withdrawing shillings 900,000 from a mobile phone of a 66 year year old parish development model beneficiary identified as Minsa Wonaira.
“He used his position to ask for the pin number of the old lady before withdrawing all the money and escaping away,” he said.
He said the LC 3 chairman currently on the run is believed to be hiding in Kibuku district.
The operations to arrest saboteurs of the parish development model are currently being conducted in Namutumba and will spread to other districts following a directive from President Yoweri Museveni.
