By Watera Atai,
KOTIDO
Authorities in Kotido District have been a warned against the misuse of public funds intended to benefit local residents.
The warning was issued by Major Martha Asiimwe, the Head of the RDC Secretariat and Anti-Corruption Unit in the Office of the President who revealed instances of officials diverting Parish Development Model funds and shortchanging beneficiaries.
Speaking on the matter, Major Asiimwe alleged that some officials have been issuing only 500,000 shillings to recipients of PDM funds instead of 1,000,000 shillings entitled to each beneficiary as directed by President Museveni, and misleading them into believing they received the full amount.
“These funds are meant for everyone, not for personal networks or favored individuals,” Major Asiimwe said. She condemned the practice of allocating money to relatives, friends, and even romantic partners, labeling it as sacrilegious.
Major Asiimwe stressed that corruption must be confronted, especially in regions like Karamoja, where such discussions are often silenced. She says that ignoring corruption only emboldens the corrupt.
“It’s better to be isolated for speaking out than to risk arrest for misuse of public funds,” she explained. Asiimwe warned that those misusing public resources will be held accountable.
She called on all stakeholders to ensure that funds, intended to uplift the poor, are used appropriately and not squandered on personal extravagance.
Meanwhile, Fred Bamwine, the Commissioner in the Office of the President for RDCs in the Karamoja sub-region, echoed these concerns, urging leaders and the public to remain vigilant.
