Three remanded over PDM cash in Iganga
Three parish development model (PDM) sacco leaders in Iganga have been remanded to Iganga central prison over extortion.
The three were rounded up during an operation mounted by the State House Anti Corruption Unit in collaboration with Namutumba police.
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They include James Jemere the LC one chairman Kibigo village Bugobi subcounty Namutumba district,Annet Namabwe the publicity secretary and Gideon Ndinywa the chairperson Kibigo parish development model sacco who were arrested following numerous complaints from beneficiaries related to extortion of funds.
Prosecution led by the resident state attorney , Claire Kemigisha alleged that the three accused persons between July 2023 and April this year extorted shs20,000 from each of the 434 beneficiaries of Kibiga sacco group under the pretext of opening up bank accounts for them.
The three denied the charges and were remanded to Iganga central prison till July 10 when the case will return for mention.
However, one of the suspects, Annet Namambwe told Nile Post that she is being framed by sacco members.
“Some of the beneficiaries had earlier shown interest in becoming leaders of the sacco groups but were denied that chance and that’s why they are coming up with all sorts of allegations, "she said.
Grade one magistrate Ivan Busulwa had earlier denied bail to the three suspects on condition that they are likely to interfere with investigations into the matter.
“Much as its your right to be granted bail, it would be unfair to do it now since investigations are at an initial stage, ”he said
The senior legal officer for the State House Anti Corruption Unit, Wyclif Mukama said five other suspects are still on the run for involvement in extortion of parish development model funds in Namutumba district.
Mukama said the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence is hunting for the LC 3 chairman of Nangonde sub county Wyclef Idhube for allegedly withdrawing shs900,000 from the mobile phone of a 66 year year old parish development model beneficiary identified .
“He used his position to ask for the pin number of the old lady before withdrawing all the money before running away."
He said the LC 3 chairman is believed to be hiding in Kibuku district.
The operations to arrest saboteurs and abusers of the parish development model program are currently being conducted in Namutumba by the State House Anti Corruption Unit and will spread to other districts following a directive from President Museveni.
