The Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner, Steven Nsubuga Bewayo, has apprehended two individuals on allegations of soliciting bribes to process Parish Development Model funds. The individuals in question are Brenda Ayebare, the Parish Chief of Nyabiteete Parish in Buyanja Sub County, Rukungiri District, and Penelope Kobusingye, the Secretary for Nyabiteete Parish Development Model enterprises.
The arrest took place during a general open meeting for all the Nyabiteete Parish Development Model members at the Buyanja Town Council hall on Thursday. The meeting was convened by Bewayo in response to numerous complaints received from beneficiaries, claiming that Penelope Kobusingye demanded 50,000 shillings to expedite the transaction process.
Patrick Byamugisha, the Chairperson of Nyabiteete Parish Development Model SACCO, revealed that their SACCO has received 107 million shillings, which has been disbursed to the beneficiaries. Pamela Agaba, a member of the Nyabiteete Parish Development Model SACCO, confirmed that the committee had been demanding money for registration and quick disbursement processing.
Tracy Asiimwe from the office of the Chief Administrative Officer in Rukungiri condemned the misuse of Parish Development Model funds on alcohol. She cited examples of people seen on social media intoxicated and others engaging in domestic violence after receiving the money, emphasizing that the funds are loans that should be repaid.
Agaba Emmy Rubondo, the Chairperson of LC3 Buyanja Sub County, attributed the challenges faced under the Parish Development Model program to the low knowledge of program leaders due to insufficient sensitization. He emphasized that this should serve as a cautionary example for others.
To address the issue, Bewayo constituted a committee consisting of the Buyanja Sub County Internal auditor, Community development officer, and police officer to conduct audits and investigations. If the accused individuals are found guilty, they will be taken to court.
Bewayo also reminded the Parish Development Model committees that they are serving the people without payment and warned that anyone attempting to extort money from the beneficiaries would face appropriate consequences.
