President Museveni warned that PDM fund thieves would be arrested and forced to refund the money.

By: Editor

At least 18 parish chiefs in Obongi District have been interdicted over the alleged mismanagement and misappropriation of Shs163 million under the Parish Development Model (PDM).

The officers are accused of enrolling 163 ghost and ineligible beneficiaries on PDM lists, raising concerns over the possible diversion of funds intended to support legitimate beneficiaries.

According to interdiction letters issued by Obongi District Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Benson Otim Humphrey on October 30, 2026, the affected officers began receiving the notices on November 3.

Among those interdicted are two officials who were serving as acting Senior Assistant Chief Administrative Officers of Itula and Aliba sub-counties.

Obongi has 28 parishes and has received more than Shs11.4 billion under the government’s poverty alleviation programme since its rollout.

Otim confirmed the interdictions, saying the decision followed reports from security agencies, particularly the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), and came after the deadline for implementing the recommended administrative action had expired.

He explained that the interdictions could only be lifted through established administrative procedures, adding that the relevant laws and regulations would guide the process.

Otim said the matter involves 18 public officers and requires coordination among several offices, including the RDC, the Police Criminal Investigations Directorate, the CAO’s office and the District Rewards and Sanctions Committee.

He, however, clarified that interdiction does not amount to a final disciplinary decision, noting that the affected officers would be given an opportunity to defend themselves through the established administrative procedures.

Obongi District LC V Chairperson Hajji Abibu Buga Khemis warned that prolonged administrative proceedings could affect service delivery if the matter is not resolved promptly.

He said that, as a political leader, one of his responsibilities was to advise the CAO on issues affecting the district and the delivery of public services.

Obongi Deputy Resident District Commissioner Paul Abaho said his office uncovered irregularities during a routine security monitoring exercise and subsequently wrote to the CAO recommending administrative action against the implicated officers.

Abaho said the government would not tolerate public officers involved in corruption or practices that undermine the PDM, which is intended to improve household incomes through wealth creation and poverty reduction.