Scandalous! Karamoja Top Gov’t Officials Arrested For Wetting Their Beak With PDM Funds

By Swift Reporter

Authorities have arraigned two officials of Tegeres West Division SACCO in Kapchorwa District over the alleged theft of money meant for beneficiaries under the government’s Parish Development Model (PDM) programme.

The suspects, identified as Siwa Moses and Sorowon Sam Kwurus, appeared before the Kapchorwa Chief Magistrate’s Court on charges of theft and conspiracy to defraud.

According to the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, which conducted the operation jointly with the Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the accused allegedly conspired with others still at large to steal funds belonging to several PDM beneficiaries.

Prosecution alleges that the offences were committed between September and October 2025 within Tegeres West Division SACCO, where money intended to support community members under the Parish Development Model programme was unlawfully taken.

Investigators say the suspects targeted funds earmarked for beneficiaries of the government initiative, which was introduced to improve household incomes and drive socio-economic transformation at the parish level.

The two officials were remanded to prison and are expected to return to court on May 14, 2026, as investigations continue into the alleged fraud scheme.

The latest arrests add to a growing number of cases involving alleged mismanagement and theft of PDM funds across different parts of the country, prompting intensified investigations by anti-corruption agencies.

Government has repeatedly warned SACCO leaders and local officials against misappropriating funds under the Parish Development Model, emphasizing that those found culpable will face prosecution.