By Spy Uganda
Three leaders of the Busalamu South Ward Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO in Luuka District have been arraigned before the Iganga Chief Magistrate’s Court on charges of extortion.
The accused include Buwote Stephen (Chairperson), Nangobi Safina (Secretary), and Nankangu Ziyada (Treasurer). They were jointly charged following investigations by the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, working in partnership with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).
Prosecution alleges that between May and July 2025, the trio fraudulently obtained money from PDM beneficiaries in Busalamu Town Council, Luuka District. The suspects reportedly told beneficiaries that making payments was a mandatory requirement to access PDM funds—an allegation authorities confirmed was false.
The three have been remanded until 16th September 2025 as investigations continue.
The PDM is a government flagship program designed to empower households at the parish level by providing affordable financial support for income-generating activities. Authorities have repeatedly cautioned local leaders against exploiting vulnerable beneficiaries through illegal fees and deductions.
Officials say the arrests serve as a warning to others attempting to frustrate the implementation of the program meant to fight poverty at the grassroots.
