BIG STORY
Bududa Parish Chiefs Confiscate PDM Beneficiaries Phones to Extort Money
By Weswa Ronnie
BUDUDA
Bududa Parish Chiefs have been accused by Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries of going to the extent of confiscating their phones until they cough kickbacks after getting the funds.
This was revealed today, 3rd September, 2024 during a Consultative meeting of stakeholders and PDM beneficiaries at the district headquarters.
The meeting chaired by the National Coordinator of Emyooga who is also the Parish Development Model (PDM) Consultant, Ms Ritah Namuwenge heard that Parish Chiefs and PDM SACCO have become a problem to beneficiaries.
The Parish Chiefs are reportedly soliciting for money ranging from Sh30,000 to Shs100,000 from each member as kickbacks.
Namuwenge in return ordered for immediate investigations of such parish chiefs in Bududa district.
The meeting was convened by officials from the PDM and Emyooga programs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Planning, who are currently in Bugisu Sub-region, to assess the progress and implementation of the programs.
“The parish chiefs and Parish Development Committees (PDCs) are not adhering to the PDM guidelines. Why extort money from these vulnerable people? I have instructed the RDC to obtain statements from the beneficiaries who were extorted,” said Ms Namuwenge.
Namuwenge said that, she will be visiting the sub-counties to conduct follow-ups and ensure that the program is reaching and benefiting the intended people.
She also directed the PDM Sacco leaders to stop bureaucracy in the PDM funds and give people money.
This came after several concerns in the meeting. Information on ground indicates that some Parish Chiefs demand up to Shs100, 000 for kickbacks.
The residents backed Ms Namuwenge to arrest the corrupt Parish Chiefs and Parish development committees (PDCs).
Mr Peter Womaniala, a PDM beneficiary alleged that the parish chiefs and Sacco leaders have become a problem.
“If you complain they start intimidating us not to give us money. They start asking us for money between Sh10, 000, Shs20, 000, up to Shs100, 000 until you give up with the program. They even collect phones belonging to the beneficiaries and start demanding for the kickbacks before getting your phone back.” Womaniala said.
Mr Elijah Madoi, the RDC Bududa, warned the parish chiefs to stop extorting money from beneficiaries.
“As the chief monitor of government programs in the district, I urge you to report such cases of extortion to this office,” Elijah said adding that, “If I catch anyone extorting money from PDM beneficiaries he/she will be arrested and face the law. Don’t think that you will refund the money and go back without punishment.”
Rahim Kisuyi, an economist from the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MOFPED), appealed to the beneficiaries to invest money in productive activities.
“A wise man invests his money where it multiplies, and money moves from a fool to the wise. If you invest this money wisely, it will return with profits. We will ensure you become rich,’ he said.”
Julius Wanasolo Wambate, the Human Resource Officer of Bududa district who represented the Chief Administrative Officer, Martin Kibulangati accused locals for always accepting to offer bribes to parish chiefs yet they know the program is for free.
He says that in the next phase of PDM and Emyooga, they are going to arrest both the beneficiaries and extorters.
Wambate says that they are going to investigate into the matter to come up with final administrative response.