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The RDC made the order during a “baraza” (public meeting) in Katabi over the weekend. The arrest followed allegations that Ssimbwa had extorted funds from the group members and misused PDM money meant for development.
During the meeting, it was revealed that Ssimbwa had been taking Shs 500,000 from each of the one million shillings allocated to PDM beneficiaries.
Ssimbwa reportedly used part of the embezzled funds to buy a taxi, registered under UAU 027J.
Furthermore, residents alleged that he distributed government funds intended for development to his family members, including his wife and siblings.
Following these revelations, the RDC directed the police to arrest Ssimbwa and the implicated family members.
“I am handing over these people to you, the police, make sure that they are charged and taken to court,” said Mbabazi.
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About PDM
The Parish Development Model (PDM) is a government initiative launched in 2021 aimed at driving socio-economic transformation in Uganda.
The program is designed to improve household incomes and livelihood by extending financial and technical support directly to parishes, which are the lowest administrative units in the country.
Each parish is provided with a revolving fund of Shs 100 million, which is meant to be distributed as loans to members of the community to facilitate development projects that can improve their income levels. These loans are intended to support various sectors like agriculture, trade, and small-scale manufacturing to enable communities to lift themselves out of poverty.
According to the guidelines of the PDM, funds are not meant for personal enrichment but are to be used collectively to boost local enterprises, promote inclusivity, and create a self-reliant society.
The model aims to ensure that money reaches the grassroots effectively and empowers local communities economically.