MOYO DISTRICT DRAWN IN A SEA OF PROBLEMS OVER PDM FUNDS
By Araba Kalsum
Moyo
Residents of Moyo District have raised concerns over alleged extortion of money from beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM), with claims that more than 18 billion shillings allocated by the central government to fight household poverty has been affected by corruption and discrimination.
The concerns were raised during a visit to Moyo District by the Minister for Local Government, Hon. Balaam Barugahara, on August 15, 2026.
Residents also accused SACCO leaders managing the PDM programme of demanding money from beneficiaries before they can access the funds.
A widow from Lefori Sub-county alleged that SACCO officials demanded 50,000 shillings from her before she could access PDM funds. “There are SACCO officials who ask us, the beneficiaries of PDM, for money. They force you to give them the money directly. After applying, they told me to give them 50,000 shillings for fuel to go and survey my land. When I said I did not have the money, they refused to inspect my land and denied me the money. I only got the money after consulting the LC1 and the parish chief,” she said.
Meanwhile, Mawa Moses, a resident of Lea Parish in Aluru Sub-county, alleges that beneficiaries are being asked to make contributions before receiving their PDM funds.
“The current beneficiaries who were selected for PDM money were told by the parish chief of Lea Parish to pay a contribution of 5,000 shillings before getting the money. I want that demand to be terminated immediately,” Mawa said.
Another beneficiary, Nakikunda Doreen, alleged that she was denied PDM funds because of her tribe, “Last year I asked for PDM money, but the officials told me that I am a Munyankole and therefore cannot get PDM money from here. I have stayed here for eight years and I am now making the ninth year. Why am I being denied the money?” she questioned.
However, Jukoni Yafet Ali, the Moyo District Commercial Officer, said authorities are taking action against individuals accused of extorting money from PDM beneficiaries.
“We have registered cases of extortion in three parishes, particularly involving SACCO leaders. In Ramogi and Elenderea, one of the cases has reached court. In Eria Parish, with the help of the Resident District Commissioner, the people involved were forced to refund the money and were later removed from the SACCO leadership,” Ali said.
Minister Balaam Barugahara stressed that the PDM programme is intended for all eligible residents, regardless of their political affiliation or tribe.
“To all beneficiaries, this is your money. Anyone who asks you for money before giving you your PDM funds should be reported. Any Ugandan can get PDM. In Masindi, we have many Lugbara, Madi and people from other tribes, and they are all benefiting from this money,” he explained, adding that,
“Being a Munyankole is not a crime, just as being Madi or Kuku is not a crime. With PDM, we do not discriminate based on political parties or tribes. As long as he or she lives in your community and is eligible, that person is supposed to get the money,” Balaam emphasized.
The Parish Development Model is a Ugandan government strategy aimed at improving household incomes and promoting wealth creation by shifting development programmes and services to the parish level.
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