MITOOMA
Three parish chiefs in Mitooma district have been accused of corruption and misuse of office, according to Merycent Ariyo Abiine, the deputy Residence District Commissioner. He said authorities are investigating the matter.
Mugabe Emmuel, the Parish chief of Kyeibare parish, is alleged to have extorted money from PDM beneficiaries while serving at Sazinga parish. He reportedly charged each beneficiary Ugx 50,000 to access funds.
Two other parish chiefs, Dan Agaba of Kigarama in Bitereko sub-county and Alex Ruhangaariho of Kibungo in Kigyende sub-county, are also implicated in the scandal.
PDM is a government’s poverty alleviation program aimed at improving service delivery and livelihoods in lower administrative units. Reports have surfaced of program officials engaging in unethical practices such as bribery and demanding for sexual favors from vulnerable individuals in exchange for approval to receive the funds.
Abiine confirmed that the suspects will face charges of misuse of office and corruption. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge.
Further reports of extortion and sexual exploitation of beneficiaries were previously reported in the neighbouring district of Sheema, allegations of which have sparked widespread outrage and calls for a thorough investigation into the program.
In September last year, Sheema district Woman member of parliament, Hon. Rosemary Nyakikongoro tasked district security committee to swiftly take actions to investigate and arrest sacco leaders and parish chiefs implicated in extortion and sex abuse.
