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Juliet Katushabe has been arrested for allegedly extorting money from PDM beneficiaries
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By Jovita Hasto
Sheema - Security officials in Sheema District have arrested the Parish Development Model (PDM) chairperson for allegedly extorting money from beneficiaries of the program. The Parish Development Model (PDM) is a government-led initiative aimed at moving 39% of the country’s 45 million population from subsistence living to the money economy, in an effort to reduce poverty. Each of Uganda’s 10,594 parishes has received a total of 200 million shillings in installments.
The suspect has been identified as Katushabe Juliet, the chairperson of the Masyoro Parish Development Model SACCO. She was arrested on the orders of the District Deputy Resident Commissioner, Sam Orikunda, after several complaints were received from beneficiaries alleging that she had been soliciting funds from them—an act considered a criminal offense.
"The suspect had demanded between Shs 200,000 and Shs 300,000 to have beneficiaries’ names included on the list submitted for approval under the program," said Orikunda.
Kyotungire Annah, a resident of Masyoro Parish, claims that Juliet has extorted over 70 people since the program began.
"I’m not surprised by Juliet’s arrest. She has been extorting over 70 people in Masyoro Parish since the Parish Development Model program started. She would demand between Shs 200,000 and Shs 300,000 to include names on the beneficiary list," said Kyotungire Annah.
This is not the first time security officials have arrested leaders over scandals related to the PDM program. Last November, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU) arrested two district councillors, including District Speaker Robert Nkwemerire—who also serves as the Masheruka Subcounty LC5 councillor—and Robert Matsiko, the Masheruka Town Council LC5 councillor. They were accused of illegally benefiting from Parish Development Model funds, which goes against presidential directives stating that civil servants and political leaders are not eligible for the program.
Torch Media Africa
