In response to a directive from President Yoweri Museveni to address concerns over alleged mismanagement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds in Kyenjojo District, the Minister of Local Government, Hon. Raphael Magyezi, held a high-level meeting with district officials and stakeholders this week. This follows an incident at the presidential rally on Tuesday when a man identified as Dingiri Charles, a resident of Rwibale Ward in Butunduzi Town Council, took to the podium and alleged widespread malpractice in the implementation of the PDM.

Hon Raphael Magyezi, the Local Government Minister and Deputy Cordinator of PDM, Ms Bonny Kiconco preside over the meeting

The meeting, convened at the Kyenjojo District Local Government Headquarters — brought together political leaders, technical officers, and representatives from parish councils to discuss reported irregularities in the distribution and administration of PDM resources. The discussions focused on ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in the implementation of the flagship wealth-creation program, which aims to empower households across Uganda.

Hon. Magyezi emphasized that the President’s instruction was clear: any perceived misallocation, discrimination, or illicit demand for kickbacks by PDM officials must be thoroughly investigated and swiftly rectified. “Our priority is to ensure that every shilling meant for the poor reaches the intended beneficiaries — especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities,” the minister said.

The Local Government Minister, Hon Raphael Magyezi in the company of The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kyenjojo, Mr. Amis Asuman Masereka, at the meeting

Preliminary inquiries revealed that both Dingiri and his colleague, Ismail Musinguzi of Kafunda in Nyakisi Sub county, had never applied for PDM funds, contrary to their public statements.

District security findings, led by the District Internal Security Officers (DISO), indicated that the duo had allegedly been planted to cause public anxiety, masquerading as beneficiaries to discredit the government program.

Although extortion and bribery reports have previously been registered since the launch of the PDM in 2023, the minister insisted that the false claims by the two individuals warranted immediate arrest to safeguard the integrity of the project, and for lying to the President.

He encouraged district leaders to lead the charge in restoring public confidence, pledging support from the Ministry to strengthen mechanisms that guard against fund misuse. Officials were reminded that PDM funds are public resources and any attempt to siphon them undermines the government’s plan to reduce rural poverty.

In a firm directive, Minister Magyezi ordered a comprehensive verification of all PDM beneficiaries and warned that any parish chiefs or PDM officials found conniving to sabotage the program would be arrested and dismissed from government service.

Kyenjojo District, which comprises 19 sub counties, and 12 town councils has so far received Shs 51.7 billion under the PDM, with an additional Shs 8 billion expected between February and March, according to District Production Officer Mr. Shem Ssekyanzi.

Kyenjojo District leadership acknowledged the concerns raised and reiterated their commitment to addressing them. Representatives highlighted the progress made so far, noting that millions of shillings have been disbursed to eligible households under the program — a move that has transformed livelihoods for many.

However, officials admitted challenges with ensuring equitable access and urged collaborative action to tighten governance and community oversight. They also pledged to review complaints and hold further parish-level engagements with stakeholders.

District Chairperson Gilbert Rubaihayo, thanked the minister for the fast response to the presidential directive, to investigate the irregularities if any, and promised maximum cooperation from the technical and political wings of the district. He further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fighting corruption within the PDM, emphasizing that civil servants implicated in malpractice would face stern action. He also emphasized more emphasis on following guidelines to implementation of the program.

Hon Gilbert Rubaihayo the LC 5 chairperson together with the RDC, Julian Sarah Ayesiga at the meeting

The Resident District commissioner, Mrs. Julian Sarah Ayesiga, informed the meeting of the various irregularities that had been brought to her attention, which had been investigated, culprits arrested, reprimanded, and prosecuted in courts of law. All monies had been recovered and handed back to the intended beneficiaries.

Local council leaders and civil society representatives present at the meeting echoed calls for increased accountability. Several community advocates stressed the importance of regular audits, transparent beneficiary selection processes, and clear communication channels so that ordinary citizens can raise alerts without fear.

 Some of the beneficiaries in the meeting at the district headquarters

Magyezi announced that the Ministry will deploy a special task team to support the district with technical investigations, community consultations, and verification of reported irregularities. The team will also work with parish councils to strengthen management structures and compliance with PDM guidelines.

The meeting underscores the government’s broader effort to ensure that Uganda’s development programs are implemented with integrity and in alignment with their intended impact. The PDM, which channels seed capital directly to communities to stimulate wealth creation, remains a cornerstone of the national poverty reduction strategy — but its success hinges on the trust and participation of local stakeholders.

District technical wing at the meeting

As the district prepares for follow-up actions, residents and leaders alike will be watching closely to ensure that corrective measures not only address the immediate irregularities but also lay the groundwork for a more transparent and inclusive PDM implementation going forward.