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Chairperson of Ipito Aweno PDM SACCO in Lira City, was given one year, 11 months, and three weeks in prison
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By Our Reporter
Lira
The Lira Chief Magistrates Court has convicted and sentenced Sarah Atim, the Chairperson of Ipito Aweno PDM SACCO in Lira City, to one year, 11 months, and three weeks in prison on charges related to the mismanagement of Parish Development Model (PDM) funds. Atim was arraigned in court earlier this morning by a joint team from the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, the Criminal Investigations Directorate, and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. She faced charges of Obtaining Money by False Pretense after allegedly extorting money from various PDM group chairpersons under the pretense that she was responsible for their online registration.
According to prosecution, Atim fraudulently obtained millions of shillings from thousands of PDM beneficiaries in Lira District, falsely claiming she could facilitate their access to funds. Investigations revealed that she had no such authority, and her actions caused financial distress to many vulnerable members of the community.
While delivering the ruling, the Chief Magistrate condemned Atim’s actions, emphasizing that such fraudulent activities undermine government efforts to uplift grassroots communities through the PDM initiative.
“This court finds the accused guilty of exploiting a government poverty alleviation program for personal gain. Her actions have not only caused financial loss to innocent beneficiaries but have also tainted the credibility of the initiative,” the Magistrate stated.
The sentencing comes after Atim had initially been remanded until June 14, 2024, following her court appearance earlier today. However, after the prosecution presented overwhelming evidence, the court found her guilty and handed down the nearly two-year sentence. Local authorities and anti-corruption agencies have welcomed the ruling, hailing it as a step toward ensuring accountability in the implementation of government programs. Victims of the scam have expressed relief, urging authorities to intensify monitoring to prevent future exploitation.
The Parish Development Model (PDM) is a government program aimed at transforming subsistence farmers into commercial producers by providing financial assistance. However, cases of fund mismanagement and fraud have surfaced in various districts, prompting tougher enforcement measures against perpetrators. Sarah Atim is expected to serve her sentence at Lira Prison.
Torch Media Africa
