Three PDM SACCO Officials Arrested in Lira City Over Alleged Theft of Parish Development Model Funds

Three PDM SACCO Officials Arrested in Lira City Over Alleged Theft of Parish Development Model Funds

JUNE 23, 2026

BY HILARY OPIO OMARA

LIRA CITY:- Police in Lira City have arrested three officials of Bule-Corner Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO over allegations of fraudulently diverting funds intended for beneficiaries under the government's Parish Development Model programme.

The arrests followed an operation led the Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Lira City, Emmy Lawrence Egole, alongside Assistant RCCs Bonny Fedinan Okello Alele and Bonny Otucu, after receiving complaints from affected beneficiaries.

The suspects have been identified as Army Oludi, the Chairperson of Bule-Corner PDM SACCO; Ruth Nangabira, the SACCO Treasurer; and Linda Tino, a staff member responsible for processing mobile money transactions. They were handed over to the police for further investigations.

According to RCC Egole, preliminary findings suggest that the suspects allegedly altered beneficiaries' registered phone numbers and redirected funds meant for legitimate recipients to other accounts.

The investigation was triggered by a complaint from Gloria Apio, who reported that although she had been approved to receive UGX 1 million under the PDM programme, the money was transferred to another mobile money account without her knowledge or consent.

Egole revealed that the case could be part of a wider fraud scheme affecting several beneficiaries. He warned that similar practices may be occurring in other PDM SACCOs across Lira City and the wider Lango sub-region.

"This is not an isolated incident. We have received reports suggesting that some officials entrusted with managing government poverty eradication funds are exploiting vulnerable beneficiaries. Anyone found stealing PDM money will face the full force of the law," Egole said.

Following consultations with Lira City District Police Commander Apollo Kangungu, police moved swiftly to apprehend the suspects as investigations intensified.

The RCC urged residents who suspect irregularities in the management of PDM funds to report the matter to his office, the police, or other relevant government authorities.

He emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding public resources and ensuring that beneficiaries receive the support intended to improve their livelihoods.

Egole also issued a stern warning to individuals involved in the ongoing restocking programme and other government wealth-creation initiatives, stressing that anyone implicated in the theft or diversion of public funds would face prosecution.

Meanwhile, Joan Apio, the Deputy RCC for Lira City West Division, called on residents to remain vigilant and closely monitor the implementation of government programmes within their communities.

She encouraged beneficiaries to promptly report any attempts to manipulate beneficiary lists, interfere with fund disbursement processes, or misappropriate public resources.

The arrests come amid heightened government efforts to combat corruption and abuse of public programmes.

During a recent meeting in Kyankwanzi, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni directed all Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) and Resident City Commissioners (RCCs) across the country to strengthen supervision of government programmes and ensure that resources reach their intended beneficiaries as part of the broader fight against poverty.

Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities have indicated that more arrests could follow as scrutiny of PDM fund management continues in Lira City and neighbouring districts.