NEWS-The Rukungiri Deputy Resident District Commissioner (DRDC) Ahimbisibwe Wilberforce Ongom has directed the chairperson of Kihanga Parish Development Model SACCO to refund the money she charged PDM beneficiaries to access funding under the program.
Aturinda Georgia, the chairperson Kihanga Parish Development Model SACCO in Buhunga Sub County Rukungiri district together with her committee members appeared for question during the meeting that was organized by the office of RDC to scrutinize the progress of PDM in the area.
The meeting which held at Kihanga Parish headquarters came following the complaints rose by PDM beneficiaries that SACCO leaders obtain money from them before accessing government funds yet the program is for free according to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Aturinda allegedly obtained money ranging from Ugx. 5,000 to 10,000 from SACCO group members before signing their forms to get money.
According to Hebert Karamuzi and Annet Kamatungo the Kihanga chairperson LC2, Aturinda allegedly told beneficiaries that the money was meant to facilitate bank operations so as to access PDM funds faster.
They added that Aturinda refused to sign for those failed to facilitate the said money adding that most of beneficiaries who received funds from government during first phase signed for themselves on behalf of SACCO chairperson after demanding them large sums of money.
Other beneficiaries said they were told they would access PDM funds from their bank accounts after paying the said money but they have waited for almost five months in vain.
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Appearing before the meeting that was organized by DRDC Rukungiri Mr. Ongom which held at Kihanga Parish Headquarters, Aturinda Georgia admitted her actions and expressed remorse, pledging never to repeat the practice.
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Meanwhile DRDC Ongom said that he was working under the directive of the President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who said “PDM” must work.
Ongom said he has been receiving complaints from PDM beneficiaries about Kihanga PDM SACCO leadership that are defrauding people of their money.
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Mr. Ongom applauded the beneficiaries who reported the matter to his office, thereby asking other beneficiaries encountering the same to report so as to kick corruption out of Rukungiri district.
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Mr. Kamanzi Ferdinand the Rukungiri district Commercial Officer who also doubles as PDM focal person said the program is for free adding that no one should solicit money from beneficiaries.
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