Kibaale RDC Warns Corrupt Officials Ahead of Minister Balaam’s Bunyoro Tour

President Museveni visits Nagawa Lillian – a PDM beneficiary located in Makindye Ssabagabo, Wakiso District last year.

Kibaale Deputy Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Kamagara has warned officials accused of misusing Emyooga and Parish Development Model funds to stop corruption or face arrest and prosecution.

Kibaale Deputy Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Kamagara has warned government officials accused of corruption and beneficiaries who have defaulted on Emyooga and Parish Development Model (PDM) funds to stop forthwith or risk arrest and prosecution.

Kamagara issued the warning on Thursday evening during the annual general meeting of Buyanja Youth Leaders Savings and Credit Cooperative Society (SACCO) in Karuguuza Town, Kibaale District, ahead of Local Government Minister Balaam Barugahara’s planned mobilisation and anti-corruption tour of the Bunyoro sub-region next week.

The warning followed complaints from youth leaders and beneficiaries of Emyooga and PDM programmes over alleged misuse of funds, corruption and difficulties in accessing government support.

“We are compiling lists, especially of those officials being mentioned, and we shall present a report to the minister once he comes here. It’s Kisanja no sleep. If you know you owe people’s money, just rectify your office,” Kamagara said.

He warned that officials implicated in corruption would be investigated and could face arrest and prosecution if found culpable.

Kamagara also cautioned young people against drug abuse, gambling, promiscuity, extravagance and criminal activities, saying such behaviour could undermine their future.

“The youth are supposed to be leaders of tomorrow, so when you live reckless lives then your future gets ruined. Please be careful with the lives you [live],” he said.

The Kibaale District Principal Commercial Officer and Emyooga and PDM focal person, Sedrack Isingoma, said the district had received Shs1.5 billion in Emyooga seed capital with support from the Uganda Microfinance Support Centre.

He said the district had also received Shs11 billion under the PDM programme, with beneficiaries investing in animal and crop production and other enterprises aimed at improving household incomes.

However, some youth leaders said challenges in accessing the funds continued to undermine the programmes.

Peter Businge, the chairperson of the Buyanja Youth SACCO, said many young people had benefited from the programmes but acknowledged that some beneficiaries had complained about technical difficulties and alleged demands for kickbacks before accessing funds.

The allegations come as the government steps up mobilisation and anti-corruption activities across the country, with Minister Balaam Barugahara expected to begin his tour of the Bunyoro sub-region next week.

The tour is expected to focus on government programmes, their implementation and concerns raised by beneficiaries and local leaders.