The PDM members of Nabweya Parish in Lukhonge Sub County, Mbale District, on Thursday staged a protest at the office of the Assistant RDC, accusing their parish chief and Sacco chairman of extortion.
The Parish Development Model is a government strategy or approach for organising and delivering public and private sector interventions for wealth creation and employment generation at the parish level as the lowest economic planning unit.
Speaking to the media , Assistant RDC of Mbale District, Mr. Bwire James, commonly known as Mbabazi, said he has been receiving complaints about extortion by the parish chief and other Sacco leaders, as well as delays in disbursing funds to the beneficiaries.
Bwire noted that Wekesa Robert, Parish Chief of Nabweya Parish in Lukhonge Sub County and Butoto Michael, the Sacco chairman to refund the Sh1.8 million they allegedly extorted from members of the Sacco.
“The refund is expected by Friday at 9 am. Failure to comply will result in arrest.” He said.
Mr. Bwire also summoned the Sub County CDO, LC2 Chairperson, Sacco Chairman, and the PDC committee to attend a meeting in his office, ensuring accountability and transparency in the matter.
Mataya Martin, a PDM member from Wamalu village, Nabweya parish, Lukhonge sub-county, alleged that he paid the required amount they asked him but has not yet received the promised funds.
Namaye Jane, another PDM member, claimed that they took Sh118,000, promising that she would receive the money afterward.
Agatha Hagata, another member, also reported that she paid a total of Sh102,000 to Butoto Michael, and Wekesa, in three installments: Sh55,000 initially, followed by Sh30,000, and finally Sh37,000. However, she has not received any PDM money.
“Today, Butoto said, ‘I have left the group and am going to create another group. So, go and look for Wekesa to pay you,’” she said.
“They asked me what I do, and I told them I raise chickens and have already constructed a house.” Agatha added.
Sulaiti Wachi, CDO of Lukhonge Sub-county, appreciated the Assistant RDC for his intervention and expressed confidence that, with his help, the people will receive their money as per government guidelines.
Wandela Brian James, Chairman LC3 of Lukhonge Sub-county, noted that he has been warning about extortion, but it continues.
He requested that the Sh1.8 million taken from people be refunded first and the culprits be taken to police.
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