SACCO leaders evade arrest for extorting PDM beneficiaries.

7 April 2025, 3:56 pm

By Otim Moses

SACCO leaders in Paluba Parish, Kiteny Sub-county, Kitgum District, evaded arrest on Wednesday by the Assistant Resident District Commissioner for Kitgum, who was pursuing them for extorting funds from Parish Development Model (PDM) beneficiaries.

It is alleged that the SACCO leaders registered 13 new individuals for the PDM enrollment, ignoring the established enterprise groups that were already selected and included in the system.

In a meeting convened by the Assistant RDC in charge of Chua East, Mr. Oguti Geoffrey, on Wednesday, the community blamed the SACCO leaders for collecting Ush4,000 for purchasing forms, Ushs4,000 for photos, and Ushs2,000 for other expenses without providing clear accountability.

The community also accused Mr. Opoka Geoffrey, the loan officer, and some members of illegally collecting money from new enterprise members and demanding contributions of Ugx 50,000 for the constitution, stating that without this payment, they would not receive the PDM funds.

Mr. Obedi Moris, the Kiteny Sub-County Chief stated that the SACCO leaders from Paluba Parish have been extorting money and called for reforms among the SACCO leaders, warning that failure to change could lead to imprisonment.

Mr. Oguti Geoffrey, the Assistant RDC of Kitgum District, directed the new SACCO to elect new officers, excluding the positions of secretary and finance, by Tuesday of next week. He also ordered the Community Development Officer (CDO) of Kiteny Sub-county to return the money collected for the constitution immediately.