By Weswa Ronnie
MBALE CITY
Mbale Resident City Commissioner, Asumin Nasike, on Tuesday, 29th April, 2025 sanctioned the release of Shs50 million Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to beneficiaries after a two-month hold.
The funds, intended for beneficiaries in Bulweta Ward, Northern City Division, were withheld due to irregularities, including extortion by SACCO leaders and inclusion of ineligible beneficiaries.
Following a meeting between the RCC, Mbale city production officer also doubling as PDM focal person, Halima Namutebi, and SACCO members, the irregularities were addressed.
Beneficiaries accused SACCO leaders; Thomas Maberi and Juma Wetaka of soliciting money between 10,000/= to 150,000/= from each beneficiary before registering them to get money, but lacked sufficient evidence to pin them. The RCC tasked the focal person to allow SACCO leaders to distribute the funds to beneficiaries.
The RCC has announced plans to replace the current SACCO leadership with new members elected by beneficiaries after the fund distribution. This decision aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of PDM funds.
