PDM SACCO LEADERS WARNED AGAINST EXTORTION

Authorities in Soroti district have issued a stern warning to PDM SACCO leaders against soliciting money from community members to access Parish Revolving Funds.

This comes after Michael Ocen, Chairperson of Aparisa Parish in Tubur Sub County, was arrested for allegedly registering relatives and friends to benefit from PDM funds and extorting between 20,000 to 45,000 shillings from each beneficiary.

Ocen claimed the funds were for registration and office expenses, but community members testified against him during an emergency meeting organized by the Office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Soroti, Mr. Paul Eseru.

Further allegations include infiltrating the database system to favor family members without the Parish Development Committee's consent.

Ocen admitted to collecting 20,000 shillings from more than 40 beneficiaries in the first lot and 45,000 shillings from 50 beneficiaries in the second lot, violating PDM guidelines. He was later released on police bond on Monday afternoon.

RDC Eseru emphasized that PDM services are free of charge and warned technical officers against extortion.

"I have deployed security teams, including GISOs, to monitor PDM implementation. Those found extorting money will face severe consequences," he stated.

Eseru noted that the Parish Development Model (PDM) aims to transform subsistence households into income-generating enterprises. However, incidents like these undermine the initiative's purpose and erode community trust.

PDM program provides loans to PDM SACCOs through the Parish Revolving Fund (PRF) and Soroti has disbursed close to 12 billons shillings. 

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By Abraham Ekwaru, Communication Officer Soroti.