Two PDM Officials Arrested Over Alleged Extortion in Hoima

Two officials attached to the Parish Development Model (PDM) in Hoima City are in custody at Hoima City Central Police Station over allegations of extorting money from beneficiaries.The suspects have been identified as Sylvia Kaahwa, the Vice Chairperson of the Western Ward PDM SACCO, and Veronica Nyamaizi, the SACCO Secretary.

According to information obtained by Uganda Radio Network, the two officials allegedly demanded between 100,000 and 200,000 Shillings from residents seeking to benefit from the PDM programme in Hoima West Division, Hoima City.

The alleged scheme came to light after a whistleblower alerted the police, prompting investigations that led to the duo’s arrest. They are currently being held at Hoima City Central Police Station on allegations of extortion and corruption.

Albertine Regional Police spokesperson Julius Hakiza said police had received several complaints from members of the public accusing the two officials of soliciting money from prospective beneficiaries. He said the complaints prompted investigations, which culminated in their arrest.

Hakiza added that the suspects will be arraigned in court on charges of extortion once investigations are completed. The arrests add to a growing list of PDM implementers implicated in extortion across the Bunyoro sub-region.

In July 2024, three town agents from Kigumba Town Council in Kiryandongo District were arrested for allegedly extorting between 100,000 and 200,000 shillings from PDM beneficiaries.

The suspects were identified as Timothy Mwesigwa of Ward A, John Ngambisha of Ward B, and Florence Korugendo of Ward C. Earlier, in May 2024, two officials in Masindi District were also arrested on similar allegations.

They were John Ayesiga, Chairperson of the Tukole Hamu PDM Group in Muramura Village, and Edward Irumba, the LC1 Chairperson of Muramura Village. The pair allegedly demanded 200,000 shillings from each PDM beneficiary in exchange for accessing the government programme