Local Leaders in Kasese Face Pressure to Restructure PDM Committees

A routine community meeting in Kamaiba Ward, Kasese Municipality, took a dramatic turn yesterday as tensions flared among beneficiaries of the Parish Development Model (PDM) strategy. The gathering, which was meant to address concerns regarding fund distribution, nearly escalated into a physical confrontation as frustrated members demanded an immediate reshuffle of the PDM committees, citing alleged irregularities and mismanagement.

Leading the call for accountability was Ms. Mary Moley Siwako, the area Local Council II chairperson, who insisted that before any committee changes could take place, the current PDM leadership must provide a full financial report detailing how the allocated funds had been utilized. She emphasized the need for transparency, stating that the overwhelming complaints from beneficiaries could not be ignored.

“The committees must first account for the funds and present reports on the beneficiaries before we can consider a reshuffle,” Ms. Moley stated firmly, urging all involved parties to remain patient as investigations unfolded.

However, discontent among committee members and beneficiaries continued to grow. Ms. Agnes Mbabazi, the SACCO treasurer, along with Mr. Joyless Mumbahya, the SACCO loans officer, and Mr. Rose Tusiime, a committee member, openly accused the SACCO Chairperson and Secretary of financial mismanagement, including alleged misappropriation of funds and document forgeries. The trio claimed that key financial records had been manipulated to benefit a select few, depriving rightful beneficiaries of their share of the funds.

In a separate interview, Mr. Martin Bwambale, a member of the Kamaiba Main Poultry Group, echoed similar concerns. He alleged that the list of beneficiaries had been infiltrated by individuals from outside the area, facilitated by certain influential executive members. Bwambale and other community members expressed frustration over what they termed as a betrayal of the initiative’s goal, which was to empower local residents through structured financial support.

mia@ghettopost.com