The Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Marksons Oboth, has issued a stern warning to sub-county and parish leaders in West Budama Central County, Tororo District, against mismanaging Parish Development Model (PDM) funds.
Speaking during a comprehensive PDM progress review meeting held at his residence in Muwafu Ward, Nabuyoga Town Council, Oboth warned that any form of corruption, particularly the demanding of kickbacks from vulnerable beneficiaries, would face a swift and unyielding crackdown.
"I was elected Speaker to fight corruption, and I will lead by example," Oboth declared before an assembly of local leaders, administrators, and security chiefs. "Public resources must reach their intended recipients without being diverted along the way."
The high-level performance review brought together a broad cross-section of grassroots stakeholders, including sub-county and parish chiefs, LC II and LC III chairpersons, Gombolola Internal Security Officers (GISOs), local councilors, and SACCO leaders. Also in attendance were key district heads, including Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Salim Bategana and District Police Commander (DPC) Martin Karrekyezi.
Bategana strongly urged the gathered administrators to champion the PDM as a powerful catalyst for lifting households permanently out of poverty.
The meeting showcased several life-changing achievements, notably the story of Beatrice Nyafwono. After receiving a Shs1 million loan, Nyafwono strategically split her capital, spending half on three piglets and feeds, and investing the other half in a cassava garden. The profits from both ventures enabled her to purchase a cow, which has since multiplied to two, and to establish a retail shop that now provides her with a steady daily income.
Addressing security concerns and localised crime, DPC Karrekyezi pledged the police's full support in protecting PDM beneficiaries, particularly against the theft of livestock purchased with programme funds. He urged leaders not to conceal or shield criminals, calling instead for full legal transparency.
Speaker Oboth reinforced this message, urging officials to resist interfering with the course of justice and to let the law take its course. He also commended District Internal Security Officers (DISOs) for their rigorous monitoring of government programmes and for the vital reports they provide to strengthen accountability.
The Speaker issued a clear warning that anyone attempting to exploit the system by conniving with local officials to divert PDM resources would be held strictly accountable. He urged leaders to remain content with their official salaries rather than seeking kickbacks or engaging in lavish spending to court public praise.
"You are not working for the President or any leader, but for yourself," Oboth emphasised, calling for seamless cooperation and mutual respect across all administrative tiers.
Despite ongoing implementation challenges, progress reports compiled by sub-county and parish chiefs show that the PDM has already delivered substantial financial support to West Budama Central County. The county, which spans six sub-counties of Nabuyoga, Mulanda, Mwello, Pajwenda, Siwa, and Nabuyoga Town Council and comprises 22 parishes, has recorded significant milestones. Between 2022 and 2025, a total of Shs8.590 billion was successfully disbursed, directly benefiting 7,873 families, with an additional Shs 1.072 billion still pending disbursement to eligible households.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Parliament of the Republic of Uganda.
