Hoima Resident City Commissioner (RCC),Badru Mugabi,

By: Innocent Atuganyira

Police in Hoima City have opened a General Inquiry File (GIF) to investigate allegations of extortion, bribery, and embezzlement involving officials implementing the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The investigations were initiated following directives from the Hoima Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Badru Mugabi, after his office received numerous complaints from beneficiaries alleging misconduct by some PDM officials.

Speaking during a meeting with PDM officials and beneficiaries at Duhaga Girls Hall in Hoima West Division, Mugabi said his office has been inundated with reports from beneficiaries who claim they were asked to pay bribes or other illegal charges in order to access funds under the government poverty alleviation programme.

According to the RCC, six PDM beneficiaries have already recorded statements with the police, accusing some officials of extorting money from them before facilitating access to the funds. He added that more complainants are expected to record statements as investigations continue.

Mugabi warned that any official found culpable of diverting, extorting, or embezzling PDM funds will face arrest and prosecution. He further emphasized that those found guilty will be compelled to refund any money illegally obtained from beneficiaries.

The investigations are expected to establish the extent of the alleged malpractice and ensure accountability in the implementation of the Parish Development Model, a government initiative aimed at improving household incomes and transitioning communities from subsistence to the money economy.