PDM secretariat warns against fraud, calls for public participation in leadership elections

30 April 2026, 9:22 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The National Coordinator of the Parish Development Model (PDM), Hon. Dennis Galabuzi Ssozi, during a briefing held at the Uganda Media Centre in Kampala, issued a detailed press statement in which the Secretariat called upon all residents, journalists, and community leaders to take part in the entire process of electing leaders. He also confirmed that the government is aware that the integrity of the PDM has been seriously undermined in some areas and warned that those involved will face the law.

“Government is aware that the integrity of the Parish Development Model (PDM) has been seriously undermined in certain parishes. These include fraud and false inclusion, where ineligible persons, including non-residents and non-subsistence households, are placed on Parish Revolving Fund beneficiary lists. Those responsible will face consequences and must not be elected. There is also extortion of beneficiaries, where payments are demanded as a condition for accessing funds,” he said, adding that no fees of any kind should be charged to members or beneficiaries.

Ssozi further explained that the vetting committee elected during Part One of the Special General Meeting has a formal mandate to conduct background checks on all aspiring leaders. This includes assessing financial discipline, checking for loan defaults, reviewing integrity and character, and confirming genuine parish residency. The committee’s report must be presented before any elections proceed. He noted that beneficiaries are expected to repay funds within a grace period of three years, and so far, there are no defaulters since the repayment period has not yet elapsed for any beneficiary.

According to the press statement released by the PDM Secretariat, Part One of the process focuses on the Special General Meeting. This includes training all PDM SACCO members on the SACCO bye-laws, the Cooperative Societies Act, members’ rights, and the obligations of elected leaders. It also covers the amendment of bye-laws, admission of new members, election of the leadership vetting committee, and the establishment of vetting criteria. Expression of interest forms will be issued and must be returned within seven days.

Voting is expected to take place before 30th June 2026, and it was emphasized that leadership positions under the PDM do not attract any monthly salary. To date, over Uganda Shillings 3 trillion has been disbursed to beneficiaries across the country.