By Our Reporter
The Lira Chief Magistrates Court has convicted and sentenced Sarah Atim, the Chairperson of Ipito Aweno Parish Development Model (PDM) SACCO, to one year, eleven months, and three weeks in prison on charges related to the mismanagement of PDM funds in Lira District.
Atim was found guilty of obtaining millions of shillings from thousands of PDM beneficiaries across the district under false pretenses. As Chairperson of Ipito Aweno PDM SACCO in Lira City West Division, Atim exploited her position to extort money from vulnerable members of various PDM groups, promising expedited access to their government-issued funds.
According to prosecution, Atim convinced group leaders and beneficiaries that she was responsible for overseeing the online registration process for PDM groups—an essential step required before funds could be disbursed. However, investigations later revealed that she had no such mandate and instead took advantage of her influence to solicit illegal payments.
Background of the Case
The case against Atim dates back to June 2024, when reports of irregularities in PDM fund access emerged from various groups within Lira District. Following these reports, the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, in collaboration with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (@CID1_UG) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, initiated investigations.
On June 10, 2024, Atim was arraigned before the Lira Chief Magistrates Court on charges of Obtaining Money by False Pretense. During the court proceedings, it was established that Atim had collected funds from group leaders, falsely claiming her role in the registration and facilitation process for PDM funds.
She was subsequently remanded until June 14, 2024, as investigations continued. The evidence presented in court demonstrated a calculated scheme that defrauded numerous SACCO members, undermining trust in the PDM initiative aimed at poverty alleviation and community development.
Delivering the verdict, the Chief Magistrate emphasized the gravity of Atim’s actions, noting that they not only breached public trust but also jeopardized the success of a government program intended to uplift marginalized communities.
Atim will serve her sentence at Lira Government Prison.
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